President Donald Trump has again targeted NBA superstar LeBron James, calling him a “TOTAL DISGRACE” for his behavior during the national anthem before an NBA game, sparking fresh attention on their longstanding public feud.
What Happened During the National Anthem?
On October 20, 2026, before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, video footage showed LeBron James continuing to warm up while “The Star-Spangled Banner” was played. According to multiple reports, James was observed practicing a golf swing and taking jump shots while standing alongside his teammates, who mostly stood still during the anthem.[1][2][4][5][6][7]
The precise intent behind James’ movements during the anthem was unclear; no direct indication was given that it was a political protest. Nonetheless, the footage was shared widely and caught the attention of political figures.
President Trump’s Response
On October 22, 2026, Donald Trump shared the anthem footage on his Truth Social platform, stating, “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!”[1][2][4][5][6][7]
Trump further criticized James during a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, characterizing his warmup movements as mimicking a golf swing and calling the matter “a big scandal kind of story.” Trump’s criticism aligns with his previous stances condemning athletes who do not stand attentively during the anthem, a contention that has previously embroiled figures such as Colin Kaepernick.[6]
LeBron James and Philadelphia 76ers’ Reaction
LeBron James was unbothered by the criticism. After helping the 76ers to a comeback 114-106 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in his Philadelphia home debut on Thursday, October 22, James addressed Trump’s comments with a smile and a brief statement: “Must have been a slow news day at the office.”[3][8]
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse also downplayed the impact of Trump’s remarks. Nurse described the criticism as just another piece of “outside noise,” emphasizing the team’s focus on basketball rather than distractions. He stated, “All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they’ve had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding.”[1][8]
Context and Background
The incident adds another dimension to an ongoing history of public disputes between Trump and James. Their disagreements have spanned several years, often intersecting with wider debates about social justice and athlete activism. James has been a vocal supporter of racial justice causes and has openly criticized Trump on multiple occasions.[1][3][5][6][7]
Trump has also historically targeted Black athletes for their political expressions during the anthem. His past criticisms notably include NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest starting in 2016.[6]
Most recently prior to the anthem controversy, Trump had made comments suggesting LeBron James might be a “racist,” illustrating the continuing tension between the two figures.[4]
Conclusion
This latest episode reflects the continued fusion of sports and politics in the United States, where athlete behavior during patriotic rituals is closely scrutinized and can ignite wide-ranging public dialogues. For the Philadelphia 76ers and LeBron James, the focus remains on maintaining competitive performance on the court amidst external distractions.
Jessica is a passionate food content writer who loves exploring delicious recipes, culinary trends, and cooking tips. She creates engaging, easy-to-follow content that inspires readers to discover new flavors and enjoy the art of cooking.