President Donald Trump publicly criticized NBA star LeBron James on October 22, 2026, labeling him a "total disgrace" for perceived disrespect during the national anthem. Trump's comments on his Truth Social platform responded to a video showing James performing warm-up stretches during the anthem at the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener on October 20, 2026.

This incident marks the latest public confrontation in a long-standing contentious relationship between Trump and James, bringing renewed attention to athlete conduct during patriotic ceremonies and political commentary.

What the Records Show

President Trump's post on Truth Social on Thursday, October 22, 2026, directly condemned James. "While listening to our National Anthem (SIC), LeBron James disrespects our Country," Trump wrote. He added, "I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE". Trump also stated, "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 criticism followed a video shared by Trump that showed James swinging his arms and shoulders and making shooting motions during the national anthem. This occurred at the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Madison Square Garden. The 76ers won the game 106-100. While other 76ers players generally stood still, James' movements were more pronounced. Some speculated James was practicing a golf swing, though his movements in the video aligned with a left-handed golf swing, and James is right-handed. This was not the first time James had been seen making such motions during the national anthem; ESPN had previously highlighted a similar event when he played for the Los Angeles Lakers.

The Timeline

LeBron James, 41, joined the Philadelphia 76ers in the summer of 2026 for his record 24th NBA season, after eight years with the Los Angeles Lakers. He made his preseason debut for the team in Philadelphia on October 16, 2026. On October 20, 2026, James played in the 76ers' season opener in New York, where the anthem incident took place. Two days later, on October 22, 2026, President Trump posted his criticism of James on Truth Social.

What Changed and For Whom

This latest public dispute escalates an already long-standing contentious relationship between Donald Trump and LeBron James. Past interactions include James wearing "equality" shoes and making a statement perceived to be about Trump in 2017, and James calling Trump "a bum" on Twitter. In July 2026, after James signed with the 76ers, Trump questioned if James might be "racist". Trump has also consistently criticized athletes for their conduct during the national anthem, a stance that began with NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick's protests.

What the Subject Has Said Publicly

As of Thursday afternoon, October 22, 2026, LeBron James had not issued any public statements or social media posts in response to President Trump's criticism.

What We Could Not Confirm

We could not confirm if the Philadelphia 76ers organization plans to issue a statement regarding President Trump's comments or LeBron James' actions during the anthem. We also could not confirm whether any internal team discussions or disciplinary actions regarding James' conduct are underway.