President Donald Trump has taken aim at NBA superstar LeBron James after video surfaced showing the Philadelphia 76ers forward appearing to practice his golf swing and shooting motion during the national anthem.
Trump: "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for! President DONALD J. TRUMP"
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 22, 2026
This “incident2 occured before Tuesday’s season opener against the New York Knicks. Trump called James a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded an apology from the 41-year-old star.
MORE: Nikola Jokic chasing NBA history in Nuggets season opener
Trump blasts LeBron James over national anthem behavior
Trump addressed the controversy Thursday in a post on Truth Social, sharing a video of James standing alongside his 76ers teammates as the national anthem played at Madison Square Garden.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump wrote.
Trump went further by saying James should apologize to American military veterans and those who died defending the country.
“LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!” Trump added.
LeBron James seen messing around during the national anthem. https://t.co/fzt4kHzoIn
— Leading Report (@LeadingReport) October 22, 2026
The video shows James moving his arms and appearing to go through a golf-swing motion before also mimicking his basketball shooting form. The footage quickly spread across social media, generating criticism from fans who viewed the behavior as inappropriate during the anthem.
However, the footage itself does not establish what James intended by the movements, and there has been no indication that he was making a political statement or deliberately protesting the anthem.
LeBron’s 76ers debut already created plenty of headlines
The controversy comes after an eventful NBA debut for James in Philadelphia. The 76ers defeated the Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden, spoiling New York’s championship celebration while James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.
James also received a hostile reception from Knicks fans throughout the night. The crowd repeatedly chanted “We don’t want you!” at the former Lakers star, referencing his previous interest in potentially joining New York during free agency.
Trump has previously criticized James. During the summer, after Philadelphia signed James, Trump compared him unfavorably with Michael Jordan and questioned whether James disliked him.
The latest comments add another chapter to the long-running public tension between Trump and James. For now, the controversy centers on a brief moment during the national anthem that has become a major talking point surrounding the opening week of the NBA season.
— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —