Trump criticizes LeBron James over national anthem movements

US President Donald Trump criticized basketball player LeBron James on social media on Thursday, demanding an apology after James was seen moving around during the national anthem before a game. According to UPI and the South China Morning Post, Trump stated that James disrespected the United States and called him a total disgrace. [1][2]

The incident occurred on Tuesday in Manhattan during the Philadelphia 76ers season opener against the New York Knicks. Fox News and the BBC reported that video footage showed James practicing a golf swing and basketball shots while the anthem was performed, while the New York Post noted he also mimed shooting movements during Avery Wilson's performance of The Star-Spangled Banner. [1][3][4][6]

Trump posted on Truth Social that James should apologize to American warriors and heroes who died for the flag. The New York Post reported that neither James nor the Philadelphia 76ers issued an immediate response. The South China Morning Post reported that Trump and James have publicly criticized each other for several years. [1][2][3]

James, the all-time leading scorer in NBA history, recently joined the Philadelphia 76ers as a forward after previously winning four NBA championships. As FTMQ News reported earlier, the 76ers acquired James during the offseason ahead of the 2026 to 2027 season. [13][16][17][18]