Donald Trump criticized LeBron James over his conduct during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener. Trump accused the NBA star of disrespecting the country and demanded an apology.
Donald Trump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting the national anthem
Donald Trump shared a video on Truth Social and accused James of disrespecting the national anthem.
He wrote, “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! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
The video showed James standing with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates before Tuesday’s season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. James appeared to practice a golf swing and shooting motions while the anthem played, while his teammates largely stood still.
The clip quickly drew criticism online. According to Forbes, Fox News host Laura Ingraham sarcastically commented, “Class all the way.”
YouTuber Matt Wallace also criticized James on X. He wrote, “And when the national anthem plays for the country that made all of that possible, he can’t give it two minutes of respect. No hand over his heart. No standing still. He’s goofing around, flailing his arms, flapping around, pretending to shoot a basketball, doing anything literally except honoring the flag that turned a kid from Akron into a billionaire. That’s not a protest. That’s not a statement. That’s just disrespect.”
This is not the first time James has faced criticism over his conduct during the national anthem. Last year, he was seen stretching during the anthem. In 2023, he entered his son’s basketball game while the anthem was playing.
The latest video has renewed debate over James’ conduct during the anthem. As of Thursday, the NBA star had not publicly responded to Trump’s criticism.
