Trump Outraged at LeBron for "Golf Swing" During National Anthem: "He Disrespected America"

Made warm-up motions during the national anthem at NBA season opener
Trump: "Disrespected America, must issue a formal apology"
Political feud dating back to 2017 reignites

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded an apology from NBA superstar LeBron James. He criticized James for what he called a disrespectful act toward the national anthem, after James made golf-swing and basketball-shooting motions while the anthem was played before the game.

On October 22 (local time), President Trump shared a video featuring James on his social media platform, Truth Social, claiming, "LeBron James disrespected America while our national anthem was being played." He added, "I knew from the beginning that he was a lousy person," and stressed that "James should apologize to the great American warriors and heroes who gave their lives for the American flag and everything our country represents."

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly demanded an apology from NBA superstar LeBron James, 41. AP-Yonhap News

The controversial video was filmed on October 21 at the 2026-27 season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City. It showed James standing alongside his teammates while the U.S. national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was played, waving his arms or stretching. He also made motions that looked like swinging a golf club and taking a basketball shot.

His behavior contrasted with that of most of his teammates nearby, who stood still. After the video spread online, critics said James had failed to show respect for the national anthem. President Trump also shared the video and joined in the public criticism.

The video that sparked controversy was filmed at the 2026-27 season opener between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on the 21st. It was shared on social media.

This is not the first time President Trump and James have clashed. The two have publicly disagreed over political and social issues since 2017. Their feud flared after President Trump said he would withdraw an invitation to the White House when Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors indicated that he was not interested in visiting.

James defended Curry, using harsh language to criticize President Trump. In 2018, after Fox News host Laura Ingraham criticized James for his political comments and suggested he should focus on basketball, James pushed back, saying he would not stop speaking out on social issues. James also actively supported the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, which gained momentum following the 2020 death of George Floyd, a Black man, and encouraged voters to participate in elections. President Trump, for his part, has repeatedly criticized the actions of athletes during the national anthem.

In particular, he strongly criticized NFL player Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem in 2016 to protest racial discrimination and police violence. In 2018, amid a dispute with players over national anthem rituals, he also canceled a White House event for Super Bowl champions the Philadelphia Eagles.

James has not issued a separate official response to President Trump's demand for an apology. Meanwhile, according to the Associated Press, James appeared to bow his head and stand still during the national anthem on October 23, ahead of Philadelphia's home opener, seemingly mindful of the controversy.

James left the Los Angeles Lakers and joined Philadelphia ahead of this season. Now entering his 24th season, the first player in NBA history to do so, he contributed to the team's 106-100 win over the New York Knicks in his first official game since the move, recording 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.