Trump Accuses LeBron James of Disrespecting US Anthem
Source reports published 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 am – 23 Oct 2026, 4:20 am AEST
Donald Trump criticized LeBron James for appearing to move during the performance of the US national anthem at an NBA game. The incident occurred during a match between the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers.
What happened
- President Donald Trump posted on social media, stating that LeBron James ‘disrespected our Country’ while listening to the national anthem.
- The post included a video showing James performing golf swings and basketball shooting movements as the anthem was being sung at Madison Square Garden.
- Trump demanded an apology to ‘Great American Warriors and Heroes.’
- The Philadelphia 76ers did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the BBC.
- This criticism follows a longstanding feud between Trump and James, including past accusations of James being ‘no good’ and ‘a TOTAL DISGRACE.’
- Trump has repeatedly criticised athletes for their behaviour during the anthem, referencing Colin Kaepernick’s kneeling protest in 2016.
- In 2018, Trump cancelled a planned White House visit by the Philadelphia Eagles after the team disagreed with his call for players to stand during the anthem.
Original reporting
- BBC: Trump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting US anthem
2026-10-22T18:20:43.585000+00:00 - Al Jazeera: Trump says NBA star LeBron James disrespected US national anthem
2026-10-22T00:00:00+00:00