Politics · October 23, 2026
LeBron James fires back at Donald Trump over condemnation of national anthem antics
President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James on social media, calling him a 'total disgrace' for performing stretching and basketball motions during the national anthem before a game against the New York Knicks. Trump demanded an apology, asserting that James' actions were disrespectful to the country and fallen military members. James responded by dismissing the criticism as 'noise' from a 'slow news day at the office.'
Read the original coverage
- New York PostAllSides: Right (News)MBFC: Right-Center
LeBron James fires back at Donald Trump over condemnation of national anthem antics
Read at New York Post ↗ - ABC NewsMBFC: Left-Center
Trump slams LeBron James over apparent national anthem stretches
Read at ABC News ↗ - The GuardianMBFC: Left-Center
‘Slow news day at the office’: LeBron James shrugs off Trump’s national anthem attack
Read at The Guardian ↗ - BreitbartMBFC: Right
Trump Calls for LeBron James to Apologize for His Behavior During National Anthem: 'Total Disgrace'
Read at Breitbart ↗ - Fox NewsAllSides: Right (Digital)MBFC: Right
LeBron James doubles down with sneaky golf hip turns during national anthem after Trump's 'total disgrace' dig
Read at Fox News ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- President Trump posted a video of LeBron James moving during the national anthem.
- James was observed stretching and mimicking a shooting motion during the anthem performance by Avery Wilson.
- The incident occurred during the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the New York Knicks.
- Trump labeled James a 'total disgrace' and demanded an apology.
- James characterized Trump's criticism as indicative of a 'slow news day.'
Reported by only some outlets
- The video Trump shared included overlaid text claiming James was 'working on his golf swing.'
- James was 'much more subdued' during the anthem for the following game against the Cavaliers.
- The Philadelphia 76ers coach, Nick Nurse, dismissed the situation as 'outside noise.'
- The 76ers overcame a 29-point deficit to defeat the Cavaliers on the night James responded to Trump.
Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
characterize Trump's comments as an 'attack' or 'lash out' while highlighting James' indifference and his team's subsequent success on the court.
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
focus on the specific demands for an apology and amplify criticisms from social media users regarding James' conduct as a role model.
Where coverage diverges
Coverage diverges along left/right lines — see Framing tab for specifics.
About these outlets
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