Trump says LeBron James showed ‘disrespect’ during U.S. national anthem
President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James for allegedly disrespecting the U.S. national anthem during a season opener. James dismissed the criticism, suggesting it was a distraction from more important news.
Why it matters
The exchange highlights the ongoing intersection of professional sports, national symbols, and political discourse in the U.S.
U.S. President Donald Trump accused LeBron James of disrespecting the United States after the NBA star appeared to continue his warmups during a performance of the U.S. national anthem before Philadelphia’s season opener on Tuesday.
In a post on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump said, “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!”
“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGACE. 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,” Trump wrote in the post sharing the video from the game.
James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot as The Star-Spangled Banner was performed Tuesday at New York’s Madison Square Garden.
James, starting his first season with Philadelphia, was lined up alongside teammates who mostly stood still during the anthem.
Headlinne story · 4 newsrooms
President Trump Criticizes LeBron James Over National Anthem Gestures
What every outlet reported, where they differ, and how each framed it →
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in