The essentials
Trump publicly criticized LeBron James's anthem conduct during a 76ers game, and James had not responded as of Thursday afternoon.
President Donald Trump criticized LeBron James's conduct during the national anthem in a Truth Social post, calling it “a disgrace.” The post concerned a 76ers game at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, the team's season opener. During the anthem, James practiced a golf swing and a jump shot, while most of his 76ers teammates stood still.
James, in his 24th NBA season and first with Philadelphia, had not publicly responded to Trump's comments as of Thursday afternoon. Similar anthem movements were also performed during a Lakers game on Christmas Day 2025. In July 2026, Trump said that Michael Jordan was a better player than James.
The 76ers were also scheduled to host the Cleveland Cavaliers in their home debut on October 22.
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Trump Frames James's Anthem Conduct as a Disgrace in Public Rebuke
From this perspective, Trump's Truth Social post is a public criticism of a prominent athlete's behavior during a ceremonial moment. Trump's July 2026 remark that Michael Jordan was a better player than James places the criticism within a broader comparison between the two figures. The post draws attention to how public figures choose to voice disagreement on social media.
Teammates' Stances and James's Routine Shape the Anthem Discussion
From a sports perspective, the focus is on game-day conduct. James practiced a golf swing and jump shot during the anthem, while most 76ers teammates stood still. Similar movements at a Christmas Day 2025 Lakers game suggest a pattern that extends beyond a single contest. James had not publicly responded as of Thursday afternoon.