Trump Criticizes LeBron James Over Golf Motions During National Anthem
President Donald Trump has accused LeBron James of disrespecting the national anthem and called for an apology after footage showed the NBA star making golf and shooting motions.
By Hushread Stories, from 8 outlets · First published 22 Oct 2026
In brief
- Donald Trump criticized LeBron James after footage showed him making golf and shooting motions during the national anthem.
- Trump posted his criticism on Truth Social, describing the NBA star as a total disgrace.
- The incident drew attention during James' debut with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to the available coverage.
- Trump also called for James to apologize for his behavior during the national anthem.
- The supplied reports do not establish whether James has responded to Trump's criticism or apology demand.
Timeline · 2 moments
Trump attacks James in a Truth Social post
TMZ ↗Coverage describes James' anthem motions during 76ers debut
New York Post ↗How it started
The dispute centers on LeBron James' movements while the US national anthem played before an NBA game. Times now reported that video showed the Philadelphia 76ers player making golf-swing and shooting motions.
The appearance was James' debut with the 76ers, according to the New York Post. The supplied coverage does not give the date of the game.
How it unfolded
In coverage published on October 22, The Independent reported that Trump took aim at James in a Truth Social post, accusing him of disrespecting the United States during the anthem.
TMZ reported that Trump singled out James' golf-swing practice and called him a "total disgrace." That description was Trump's judgment of the behavior.
The criticism also included a demand for an apology, according to the New York Post. Al Jazeera identified Trump as US president in its report on the dispute.
Where it stands
The available coverage establishes Trump's public criticism and his call for James to apologize. It does not establish whether James has responded, explained his movements or offered an apology.
What to watch
The immediate open question is whether James responds to Trump's accusation or apology demand. The supplied coverage contains no announced next step.
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