Trump Criticizes LeBron James Over National Anthem Actions

Verification in progress...

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--- > **Claim:** President Donald Trump renewed a long-running public dispute with LeBron James on Thursday, October 22, 2026, condemning the Philadelphia 76ers star for his physical movements during the performance of the U.S. national anthem. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence confirms that on October 22, 2026, President Donald Trump criticized LeBron James on Truth Social for his actions and movements during the national anthem prior to a Philadelphia 76ers game. [newsobserver.com](https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article317734455.html) --- --- > **Claim:** Writing on Truth Social, Trump shared a video clip from the 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence confirms the Philadelphia 76ers played the New York Knicks in their season opener at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and that Trump posted about the video clip on Truth Social. [abs-cbn.com](https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/10/23/trump-says-lebron-james-showed-disrespect-during-us-national-anthem-0705), [nbcnewyork.com](https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/sports/live-knicks-updates-opening-nba-game-msg-philadelphia-76ers/6561058/) --- --- > **Claim:** The footage showed James standing in line with his teammates while performing warm-up-style stretches and motions, including arm rotations and shooting drills, as "The Star-Spangled Banner" played. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence indicates that the footage showed James stretching and mimicking basketball shooting motions while the national anthem played. [sports.yahoo.com](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/president-trump-demands-lebron-james-170301844.html) --- --- > **Claim:** "While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!" Trump wrote, designating the four-time NBA champion a "TOTAL DISGRACE." - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence confirms Trump's exact wording on Truth Social labeling LeBron James a "TOTAL DISGRACE" and accusing him of disrespecting the country. [newsobserver.com](https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article317734455.html), [sports.yahoo.com](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/president-trump-demands-lebron-james-170301844.html) --- --- > **Claim:** The president added that James should issue an apology to military service members and veterans who defended the American flag. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence confirms that Trump demanded LeBron James apologize to U.S. service members and others who defended the flag. [newsobserver.com](https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article317734455.html) --- --- > **Claim:** Social media users and sports commentators debated the nature of the movements, with some suggesting he was practicing a golf swing, though analysts noted that the motion appeared inconsistent with his natural right-handed stance. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence notes that commentary and coverage of the video discussed the movements, including references to a potential golf swing motion. [ibtimes.co.uk](https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/trump-demands-lebron-james-apology-anthem-golf-swing-1827331) --- --- > **Claim:** Neither James nor representatives for the Philadelphia 76ers immediately responded to the president's remarks. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search evidence states that James had not publicly responded to the criticism at the time of reporting. [newsobserver.com](https://www.newsobserver.com/news/nation-world/national/article317734455.html) --- --- > **Claim:** Trump and James have routinely exchanged sharp public criticisms over the course of several years, stemming from previous athlete-led social justice demonstrations and political commentary. - **Verdict:** Verified - **Analysis:** Search and general knowledge confirm a long history of public friction and criticism between Donald Trump and LeBron James regarding social and political issues.

AI Research Queries

• 🔍 Donald Trump" "LeBron James" "Truth Social" national anthem October 2026
• 🔍 Philadelphia 76ers New York Knicks season opener Madison Square Garden October 20 2026
• 🔍 LeBron James national anthem stretching 76ers Knicks October 2026