# Donald Trump and LeBron James national anthem dispute

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/donald-trump-and-lebron-james-national-anthem-dispute
> Updated: 2026-10-24T05:21:00.000Z. Sources: 121. Developments: 2.

President Donald Trump publicly criticized NBA player LeBron James following footage from a Philadelphia 76ers season opener against the New York Knicks. The footage showed James performing warm-up movements, including motions resembling basketball shots and golf swings, while ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ was played.

Trump labeled James a ‘total disgrace’ and a ‘kind of scandal,’ demanding that the athlete apologize to American military veterans and heroes. 

James responded to the criticism with ironic remarks, telling reporters, ‘Must have been a slow news day at the office’ and ‘Seems like a quiet day in the office.’ Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse dismissed the controversy as ‘outside noise.’

## Timeline

### 2026-10-24: Donald Trump criticizes LeBron James over national anthem conduct

Donald Trump criticized LeBron James for warming up during the national anthem, calling him a disgrace. James responded with an ironic comment following a Philadelphia 76ers victory.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-criticizes-lebron-james-over-national-anthem-conduct-3

### 2026-10-22: Donald Trump criticizes LeBron James over national anthem conduct

Donald Trump called LeBron James a “total disgrace” after video showed the NBA star performing warm-ups during the national anthem, prompting a dismissive response from James.

114 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/donald-trump-criticizes-lebron-james-over-national-anthem-behavior

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Cite as: Donald Trump and LeBron James national anthem dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/donald-trump-and-lebron-james-national-anthem-dispute