Trump Accuses LeBron James of Disrespecting US National Anthem, Demands Apology
Donald Trump accuses NBA superstar LeBron James of disrespecting the US national anthem during a Philadelphia 76ers game and demands an apology to fallen American servicemembers.
United States President Donald Trump has accused basketball superstar LeBron James of disrespecting the country after a video appeared to show the NBA veteran continuing his warm-up movements during the performance of the American national anthem before a game involving the Philadelphia 76ers.
Trump made the accusation on Thursday, October 22, 2026, in a post on his Truth Social platform, sharing footage of James moving his arms and appearing to imitate a golf swing and basketball shooting motion while The Star-Spangled Banner was performed before Philadelphia's season-opening game against the New York Knicks.
The president described James as a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and called on the basketball star to apologise to American military personnel 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 wrote.
The comments have renewed public attention on the long-running tensions between the president and the four-time NBA champion, who has repeatedly spoken out on political and social issues.
The controversy arose from the 76ers' 106 - 100 victory over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on Tuesday, October 20.
LeBron James Responds: “Slow News Day”
James appeared to respond to the controversy with a brief, dismissive remark after Philadelphia's home victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
“It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said, repeating the phrase when asked about Trump's criticism, according to the Associated Press.
The response suggested that James was unwilling to allow the president's comments to dominate the conversation surrounding his return to Philadelphia basketball. He did not issue an apology in the reported exchange.
The 41-year-old forward subsequently helped the 76ers recover from a 29-point deficit to defeat Cleveland 114–106. James recorded 17 points and 10 rebounds in the victory, which marked the biggest comeback win of his career, according to the AP report.
The Philadelphia organisation's coach, Nick Nurse, also addressed the wider issue of distractions surrounding the team. He said his priority was ensuring that players remained focused on training, reviewing game footage and competing.
Nurse did not turn the incident into a broader political debate, instead emphasising the team's preparation and concentration.
Video Shows James Moving During the Anthem
The video shared by Trump showed James standing in line with his Philadelphia teammates while the anthem was performed at Madison Square Garden.
During the ceremony, James appeared to move his arms in warm-up stretches before mimicking a basketball shooting motion. Some of his teammates stood largely still, with their heads lowered or their attention directed towards the anthem performance.
The footage became the focus of Trump's complaint, although the video itself does not establish James's intention or demonstrate that he was deliberately attempting to insult the United States.
Reuters reported that a representative for the Philadelphia 76ers did not immediately respond to a request for comment following Trump's remarks.
The distinction between observable behaviour and its interpretation is central to the dispute. Trump characterised the movements as disrespectful, while James's brief response indicated that he did not consider the criticism worthy of an extended public exchange.
Long-Running Tension Between Trump and LeBron James
The latest dispute adds another chapter to the longstanding public disagreements between Trump and James.
Their tensions became particularly visible during Trump's first presidential administration, when James criticised the president's approach to national unity and his use of sports in political debates.
In 2018, James said in an interview with CNN that he believed Trump was using sports to divide Americans. Trump responded by attacking James and the programme's presenter on social media.
James has also rejected suggestions that athletes should avoid speaking about political and social issues.
In response to criticism from television host Laura Ingraham in 2018, James famously defended the right of athletes to discuss matters beyond their sporting careers. His position reflected a wider debate about whether high-profile sports personalities should use their platforms to address social justice, equality and public policy.
James has since supported voter participation initiatives and spoken about racial equality, becoming one of the most prominent athletes involved in American public discourse.
The anthem controversy therefore arrives against a background of disagreements that extend beyond basketball.
National Anthem Disputes in American Sports
Trump's criticism of James also fits into a broader American debate about patriotism, protest and conduct during national anthem ceremonies at sporting events.
One of the most prominent examples involved former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who began kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial injustice and police brutality.
The gesture generated intense debate across the United States, with supporters describing it as a peaceful protest and critics arguing that players should stand during the anthem as a sign of respect for the country and its military personnel.
Trump repeatedly criticised Kaepernick and other athletes involved in anthem protests. In 2018, he also cancelled a planned White House visit by the Philadelphia Eagles following disagreements surrounding players' participation in the traditional ceremony.
However, the situation involving James differs in an important respect: the reported footage shows him moving during the anthem rather than explicitly staging a political protest. No stated motive for his movements was established in the reports.
The incident has nevertheless revived familiar questions about expectations placed on professional athletes during national ceremonies and the extent to which their behaviour should become a matter of political controversy. (Associated Press)
Focus Shifts Back to Philadelphia's NBA Campaign
Despite the controversy, the 76ers' immediate priority remains their performance on the basketball court.
James began his first season with Philadelphia after spending the previous eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. His move marked another significant chapter in a career that has included four NBA championships and the league's all-time scoring record.
At 41, he is competing in a record-extending 24th NBA season, continuing to attract attention both for his performances and his influence beyond sport.
His contribution to Philadelphia's comeback against Cleveland offered a sporting response to the distractions surrounding the team, although it did not settle the disagreement with Trump.
For now, the president is demanding an apology, while James has publicly brushed aside the criticism. The 76ers have not announced any disciplinary action connected to the incident.
The episode highlights the continuing intersection of American sports, national identity and politics. Whether the controversy develops further will depend on any subsequent statements from James, Trump or the NBA organisation.
For the moment, the dispute remains a public disagreement over anthem etiquette, with Trump condemning James's conduct and the basketball star signalling that he intends to keep his attention on basketball. (Reuters)