President Donald Trump accused NBA star LeBron James of disrespecting the United States during a national anthem performance at a Philadelphia 76ers game on October 20, 2026, calling him a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanding an apology.
Trump Condemns James Over Anthem Actions
During the national anthem before the 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks, James was seen practicing a golf swing and basketball shots while standing with his teammates. The video, shared by Trump on Truth Social, showed James moving his arms in a warm-up motion as The Star-Spangled Banner
played. Most of his teammates remained still.
U bum @StephenCurry30 already said he ain't going! So therefore ain't no invite. Going to White House was a great honor until you showed up!
The president repeated his characterization of James as “no good,” a sentiment he has expressed before.
The incident occurred on October 20, 2026, during the 76ers’ season-opening game against the Knicks at Madison Square Garden. James, in his 24th NBA season, was seen practicing a golf swing and mimicking a basketball shot while the anthem played. His teammates largely stood still, with some lowering their heads or looking at the singer. Trump shared the video on Truth Social, stating, While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!
and I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE.
James, 41, is the NBA’s all-time leading scorer with more than 40,000 points. He signed a two-year contract with the 76ers in July 2026, marking his first season with the team after spending the past eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. The 76ers won the game 106-100, with James contributing 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
James’ Feud With Trump
The feud between Trump and James dates back years. In 2017, James made headlines by wearing one black and one white shoe with the word “equality” in gold letters during an NBA game. He later criticized Trump publicly, calling him a “bum” and accusing him of not understanding how many kids look up to the president of the United States for guidance, leadership, and words of encouragement. In 2018, Trump suggested James was not intelligent after the athlete said he would never sit across
from him.
Trump has frequently targeted athletes who protest during the national anthem, particularly Black players. In 2020, he criticized NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the anthem to protest racial injustice, a stance that became a flashpoint in the culture wars. James has been a vocal advocate for social justice, often using his platform to address racial inequality and political issues.
In 2020, James was named The Associated Press’ Male Athlete of the Year. He has also spoken out against systemic racism, stating, I mean too much to so many kids that feel like they don’t have a way out and they need someone to help lead them out of the situation they’re in.
He cited athletes like Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson as athletes who previously spoke up for equality and change with no concerns about the consequences or any rewards.
James’ Response and Context
As of Thursday afternoon, James had not made a public comment or a social media post about Trump’s gripe. The 41-year-old, in his 24th NBA season, has long been a figure of controversy for his political activism, which has drawn both praise and backlash.
The incident occurred less than two weeks before the November 3 midterm election.
Trump’s criticism of James follows a pattern of public clashes. In 2018, James accused the president of using sports to divide us, while Trump suggested in July that LeBron could be a racist as he remarked that Michael Jordan was the superior basketball player, stating, I only like people that like me.
Sports and Politics Tension
His actions include supporting Trump’s political opponents.
The incident also highlights the ongoing tension between athletes and political figures. Trump’s criticism of James mirrors his past attacks on Kaepernick, whom he later softened his stance toward, saying Kaepernick should “get another shot” to play in the NFL. James, however, has maintained his position, stating, This is a beautiful country and we’re never going to let one person dictate how beautiful and how powerful we are.
James’s actions during the anthem have drawn mixed reactions. The 76ers’ organization has not commented publicly on the dispute. As the 76ers prepare for their home debut against Cleveland, the political fallout from Trump’s criticism continues.
The implications of the incident reflect the intersection of sports and politics in America. James’s career has been defined by his ability to balance athletic excellence with social advocacy, a duality that has made him both a hero and a target. As the season progresses, his role as a leader on and off the court will likely remain a focal point of public discourse.