Full Breakdown
Trump Calls LeBron James “Total Disgrace” Over Anthem Movements
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
On October 22, 2026, former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social a video of LeBron James moving his arms in a basketball-shooting routine while the U.S. national anthem played before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season-opening game at Madison Square Garden. The clip shows James standing with teammates, stretching and swinging his arms as the anthem was performed.
Background & Context
The criticism revives a feud that began in 2017 when James called Trump a “bum” after the president withdrew a White House invitation to the Golden State Warriors. In 2018 Trump suggested James was “not intelligent” and later accused him of possibly being a racist while preferring Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player. Trump has repeatedly targeted athletes who do not stand still for the anthem, most notably former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick in 2016. James, a four-time NBA champion and the league’s all-time leading scorer, has been an outspoken supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement and Democratic candidates.
Data & Statistics
- James entered his record 24th NBA season with the 76ers on a two-year, $8 million contract.
- In the October 20, 2026 debut, he scored 14 points in 34 minutes as Philadelphia beat the New York Knicks 106–100.
- He remains the NBA’s highest-scoring player with over 40,000 career points.
Official Statements & Responses
Trump’s Truth Social post framed James’s movements as disrespect for the nation and called for a public apology. The 76ers organization did not issue an immediate comment, and James has not responded publicly. Media outlets note that James remained standing throughout the anthem; the video does not clarify whether the motions were a pre-game routine or a deliberate statement. Trump also reiterated his broader stance that athletes should “stand for the anthem,” referencing past criticism of Kaepernick and other players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I said right from the beginning that he's no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” — Donald Trump
- “I only like people that like me,” — Donald Trump
- “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” — Donald Trump
- “This isn't a protest. This isn't a statement. It's just disrespect.” — Matt Wallace
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on how James’s movements are characterized. Some describe the actions as “practicing a golf swing,” others as “stretching and shooting motions” or a “warm-up routine.” No direct statement from James clarifies his intent, leaving the motive ambiguous.
Why It Matters
The episode shows how a high-profile athlete’s routine can become a flashpoint in the cultural debate over anthem etiquette and patriotism. Trump’s intervention draws renewed attention to his long-standing criticism of athletes who deviate from traditional pre-game protocols, while James’s silence maintains his pattern of avoiding direct engagement with political attacks. The clash underscores the intersection of sports, politics, and public perception in contemporary American discourse.