Politics · October 23, 2026
‘Slow news day at the office’: LeBron James shrugs off Trump’s national anthem attack
President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James on social media, calling for an apology after video surfaced of James performing warm-up movements during the national anthem before a game against the New York Knicks. Trump labeled James a 'TOTAL DISGRACE' and accused him of disrespecting the country and its military. James responded by dismissing the criticism as a 'slow news day.' This incident coincides with Trump also calling for a boycott of the WNBA after players from the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries left the court during the anthem.
Read the original coverage
- 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 ↗ - NewsweekMBFC: Right-Center
Trump takes on basketball as he calls for WNBA boycott, slams LeBron James
Read at Newsweek ↗
Reported across the spectrum
- Donald Trump called LeBron James a 'TOTAL DISGRACE' on Truth Social.
- Trump's criticism focused on James's behavior during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the New York Knicks.
- The video shows James performing basketball-related warm-up movements during the performance of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'.
- Trump demanded James apologize to American veterans and 'Warriors and Heroes.'
Reported by only some outlets
- LeBron James dismissed the situation as a 'slow news day at the office' following a 76ers victory over the Cavaliers.
- Trump called for a boycott of the WNBA during a campaign rally in Iowa.
- The Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have left the court for the anthem during the WNBA Finals.
- Social media users have expressed support for Trump's call for an apology.
- Trump compared the WNBA protests to past NFL kneeling protests.
Left-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
emphasize James's performance on the court as a distraction-free response and frame Trump's comments as an unprovoked 'attack' or 'lashing out'.
Right-leaning outlets tend to emphasize…
emphasize the perceived disrespect toward the flag and military while highlighting social media support for Trump's demands.
Where coverage diverges
Coverage diverges along left/right lines — see Framing tab for specifics.
About these outlets
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