Trump calls LeBron James a TOTAL DISGRACE for disrespecting Country
Donald Trump attacked LeBron James on October 23, 2026, calling the Philadelphia 76ers forward a “TOTAL DISGRACE” after video surfaced of the player appearing to practice a golf swing during the national anthem before a game, 1News reported.
Trump Accuses LeBron James of Disrespecting the Country
The controversy began when Trump shared a video on Truth Social showing James making lateral swinging and basketball shooting movements while lined up with his teammates during The Star-Spangled Banner. The video included an on-screen caption reading “LeBron working on his golf swing pregame.”
Writing on his social media network, Trump stated, “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.” Trump added that James should apologize to American military personnel and veterans. The former president expanded on the criticism later that day during a campaign stop in Iowa, describing the incident as a major news story.
LeBron James Continues Gestures Amid Long Feud with Trump
The pre-game incident took place before Philadelphia’s season-opening matchup against the New York Knicks. SOURCE 3 noted that James appeared to double down on the gestures with golf hip turns ahead of a subsequent game against the Cleveland Cavaliers, while 1News noted that most of James’s teammates stood still during the anthem performance.
Trump and James have a long-running public feud. In 2017, James called Trump “a bum” on social media after the administration rescinded a White House invitation for the NBA champions. SOURCE 4 noted additional flashpoints, including Trump’s recent suggestion earlier in the year that James was “racist” when compared to Michael Jordan.
LeBron James and Nick Nurse Dismiss Presidential Remarks
Following Philadelphia’s 114-106 comeback victory over Cleveland—marking the largest comeback in franchise play-by-play history—James shrugged off the presidential remarks.
“It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said, as reported by SOURCE 2.
Philadelphia 76ers coach Nick Nurse told reporters that the commentary amounted to outside noise that the coaching staff actively trains players to ignore.
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