LeBron James; Donald Trump
Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty; Anna Moneymaker/Getty

NEED TO KNOW

  • President Donald Trump called out LeBron James for not standing still during the national anthem on Tuesday, Oct. 20
  • “I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump said in a post on social media
  • Trump suggested James “should apologize” for his behavior

President Donald Trump slammed NBA superstar LeBron James for showing “disrespect” during the national anthem.

During the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Oct. 20, James appeared to practice a golf swing and jump shot as The Voice contestant Avery Wilson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” before tip-off at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Trump, 80, took to social media on Thursday, Oct. 22, and said James, 41, should “apologize” for his behavior. “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” the president began.

“I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE,” Trump continued, adding, “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!”

LeBron James in New York City on Oct. 20, 2026
Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

As seen in a video from Tuesday, the NBA star — who is in his first season with the 76ers — was at the end of a line-up with his teammates as Wilson sang and appeared to be moving his body.

James did not address his actions during the anthem, nor has he responded to Trump’s comments.

The four-time NBA champion had 14 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists — as well as a steal and a block — in his debut with Philadelphia.

LeBron James on Oct. 20, 2026 in New York City
Credit: Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty

Before Trump slammed James, the former Laker endured taunts by Knicks fans at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday. In footage circulating on social media, fans are heard chanting, “We don’t want you,” as he lined up at the free-throw line.

The chirps appear to stem from remarks previously made by James, who contemplated joining the Knicks as a free agent. Last month, James told ESPN that he envisioned wrapping his storied NBA career with the New York franchise.

“I had visions of playing in [Madison Square] Garden and finishing my career in the Garden,” James said during the 76ers’ annual media day. “One of the best places I’ve ever played. I think it’s the No. 1 arena in the world, as far as for a basketball player. But after they beat San Antonio, I was like, ‘Hey, I can’t.’ I couldn’t do it.”

The 76ers topped the Knicks on Tuesday, 106-100.

Read the original article on People