World

President Trump calls NBA star LeBron James a 'disgrace' for not standing still during national anthem

By Linda Ikeji 23 October 2026, 7:25 am 0 comments

US President Donald Trump has put NBA star LeBron James on blast for disrespecting his country by not standing while the national anthem was sung.

James, who now plays for the Philadelphia 76ers, appeared uninterested as the anthem was being performed ahead of the season-opening match against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, October 20.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump said of James in a social media post sharing the video. “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!”

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 stood still during the anthem.

“It must be a slow news day at the office,” James said in his response. “Slow news day at the office.”

Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, always taking swipes at one another.

Speaking on Thursday night at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, Trump reiterated his complaint about James.

“And what about LeBron James? Did you see that deal?” Trump said. 'No, he’s doing, during the national anthem he’s practicing his golf swing. I said what the hell is that. It’s a big scandal kind of a story. I don’t understand it.”

Trump and James have been critical of each other for years, always taking swipes at one another.