Trump Rips LeBron James For Disrespecting U.S. During National Anthem

President Donald Trump sharply criticized NBA superstar LeBron James on Thursday after footage emerged showing the basketball player stretching and making shooting motions during the national anthem. Trump accused James of disrespecting the United States and demanded that he apologize to American military personnel who sacrificed their lives defending the country.

The controversy began after James was recorded standing alongside his Philadelphia 76ers teammates before Tuesday’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. While other players largely remained still during the national anthem, James repeatedly moved his arms, rotated his shoulders and appeared to practice both golf swings and basketball shots.

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Trump responded Thursday on Truth Social, sharing footage of the incident and condemning the basketball star’s behavior.

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” Trump wrote.

The president went further, declaring, “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.”

Trump then demanded an apology, writing, “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!”

The footage showed James remaining on his feet throughout the anthem, although his movements contrasted with the relatively stationary posture of his teammates.

Some observers interpreted the actions as disrespectful, while others suggested James may have simply been continuing his pregame stretching routine.

The video did not establish whether James intended to make a political statement, and there was no indication that he was deliberately protesting the national anthem.

🚨 WOW! President Trump just demanded an IMMEDIATE apology from Lebron James to servicemembers and their families for disrespecting the national anthem before the game

"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!" 🙏🏻

SPOT ON. What a disgusting move.

Cameras caught LeBron practicing his GOLF SWING and shooting form during the anthem

He’s made over a BILLION dollars in this country. He can’t spare two minutes for the flag?

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 22, 2026

According to Reuters, a representative for the Philadelphia 76ers did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the controversy.

James and Trump have maintained a contentious relationship for years, frequently disagreeing over politics, social issues and the responsibilities of prominent public figures.

The NBA superstar has openly criticized Trump in the past and has supported progressive political causes, including the Black Lives Matter movement.

Trump, meanwhile, has consistently argued that professional athletes should demonstrate respect for the American flag and national anthem during sporting events.

The president previously criticized former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and other players who knelt during the anthem to protest racial injustice.

In 2018, Trump canceled a planned White House celebration for the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles amid disagreements involving anthem-related demonstrations.

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The latest dispute came during James’ first regular-season appearance with Philadelphia, following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers during the offseason.

Despite the controversy surrounding the pregame ceremony, Philadelphia defeated the defending NBA champion Knicks 106-100. James contributed 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists in the victory.

Trump’s demand for an apology has now brought renewed attention to the longstanding debate over patriotism in professional sports, although James has not publicly clarified his intentions during the anthem footage.