One of basketball’s biggest stars needed only a few words to answer the president.
LeBron James brushed off criticism from President Donald Trump on Thursday, Oct. 22, 2026, after Trump accused him of disrespecting the country by continuing to warm up during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener.
What did LeBron James say?
James told reporters before Thursday night’s home opener that it must be a slow news day at the office, repeating the line once more and offering nothing further. The brief response contrasted with some of his longer answers to Trump in years past.
What did Trump say about the national anthem?
In a social media post with an accompanying video, Trump accused James of disrespecting the United States while the national anthem played Tuesday at Madison Square Garden before the 76ers beat the New York Knicks.
The video appeared to show James practicing a golf swing and a jump shot while standing in line with teammates, most of whom stood still. James did not kneel or sit, and the video showed him remaining in line with the team.
Trump called James a total disgrace and said he should apologize to service members who died for the flag and the country.
How did the 76ers respond?
The 76ers head coach said the president’s comments about the national anthem were just more outside noise for a team that has already faced plenty of attention. His only focus, he said, is getting players to practice, film sessions and games, and he praised the team’s focus so far.
NBA rules have required players to stand during the national anthem since the 1980s. It was not clear whether the league would review the moment.
Has Trump faced criticism over the national anthem?
Yes. In 2020, the Miami Herald posted a video of Trump appearing to wave his hands like a conductor during the anthem at a Super Bowl watch party, while people around him stood with their hands over their hearts.
What is the history between LeBron James and Trump?
The two have traded public criticism for years. In 2017, while with the Cleveland Cavaliers, James called Trump a bum on Twitter after the president withdrew a White House invitation to Stephen Curry. James also accused Trump of using sports to divide Americans.
That same year, James wore shoes with the word equality printed on them during a game and later said no single person would dictate how beautiful and powerful the country is.
In 2018, after a Fox News host told him to shut up and dribble, James said he would not do so, saying he meant too much to young people looking for a way out. He pointed to athletes such as Muhammad Ali, Jim Brown, Bill Russell and Jackie Robinson who spoke out before him.
In 2020, as players knelt during the national anthem amid racial justice protests, Trump said he turned off games, and James responded that the game would go on without him watching.
James was named The Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year that year after leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a championship and helping encourage people who had never voted to cast ballots. He has said he believes he can make a greater impact off the court than on it.
When James signed with the 76ers this year, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro proclaimed a LeBron James Day, while Trump reacted far less warmly.
With James now in his record 24th season, the latest clash over the national anthem shows the rivalry is far from over. Neither side appears likely to back down.
