Updated 38m ago · Politics
Trump Accuses LeBron James of Disrespecting National Anthem
President Donald Trump called LeBron James a "TOTAL DISGRACE" on Thursday. He accused James of disrespecting the country during the national anthem.
- 22-second clip shows James mimicking a golf swing during the anthem.
- James then practiced his shooting form while teammates stood still.
- The anthem played before the Oct. 20 76ers-Knicks opener in New York.
- 106-100: Philadelphia won; James had 14 points, nine rebounds, seven assists.
Why it matters: Trump and James have clashed for years. James campaigned for Hillary Clinton in 2016 and backed Trump's later Democratic opponents.
- In July, Trump said James was "maybe" racist and preferred Michael Jordan.
- In 2020, Trump called players kneeling during the anthem "disgraceful."
How 32 sources split on this story
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32 sources · 39 articles · 41% Center coverage
Where they split: Outlets differ on whether the gestures were disrespect toward the country or harmless pregame motion.
Center coverage, 13 sources: The center reports Trump's accusation alongside the clip and the long history between the two men.
USA Today4hTrump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting US during national anthemTMZ5hTrump Slams LeBron For Practicing Golf Swing During National Anthem, 'Total Disgrace'Heavy3h76ers’ LeBron James vs Donald Trump Feud Takes Wild Turn After Latest Reactionsabc27 (WHTM)3hTrump blasts 76ers' star LeBron James as 'disgrace' for not standing still during national anthemBBC News4hTrump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting US anthemCTV News4hTrump says LeBron James showed disrespect during U.S. national anthemESPN1hPresident Trump criticizes LeBron James for anthem actions - ESPNForbes5hTrump Attacks LeBron James For 'Disrespect' Of National AnthemJerusalem Post0mTrump says LeBron James showed disrespect during US national anthemPennLive2hDonald Trump calls out LeBron James over national anthem momentReuters5hTrump says LeBron James disrespected US during National AnthemThe Hill5hTrump criticizes LeBron James as ‘disgrace’ over national anthemThe National Desk3hTrump slams LeBron James as a 'total disgrace' for moving during national anthem
Left coverage, 6 sources: The left sees a furious new attack by Trump on a longtime target.
Raw Story5hTrump takes shot at NBA legend in furious new attack: 'A total disgrace'The Independent3hTrump blasts 76ers' star LeBron James as 'disgrace' for not standing still during national anthemAl Jazeera4hTrump says NBA star LeBron James disrespected US national anthemCleveland.com2hDonald Trump calls out LeBron James over national anthem momentMediaite5hTrump Shreds ‘TOTAL DISGRACE’ LeBron James for Practicing Golf Swing During National Anthem: ‘He’s No Good!’The Philadelphia Inquirer4hPresident Donald Trump rips LeBron James for stretching during national anthem before Sixers-Knicks game
Right coverage, 13 sources: The right sees James ignoring the anthem and Trump rightly demanding an apology.
RSBNetwork4hPresident Trump says LeBron James should apologize for ignoring national anthemDaily Mail5hDonald Trump lashes out at LeBron James and brands NBA icon a 'total disgrace' after he 'disrespected' the national anthemNew York Post3hTrump calls for LeBron James to apologize for his national anthem anticsJust the News22hTrump blasts Lebron James over conduct during national anthemOutKick4hTrump blasts LeBron James as a 'total disgrace' over his national anthem antics during 76ers debutPJ Media5hUngrateful Diva LeBron James Disrespects the National Anthem at Madison Square GardenRedState12hLeBron Stokes Outrage With Disgraceful Action He Takes During National AnthemThe Daily Wire22hKing James Practices His Golf Swing While The National Anthem PlaysThe Gateway Pundit3hSpoiled NBA Leftist Brat Lebron James Gets Caught Performing a Disrespectful Act During the National Anthem – Trump Responds with FIRE (VIDEO) * The Gateway Pundit * by Cullen LinebargerThe Post Millennial2hPresident Trump BLASTS LeBron James for disrespecting American national anthemThe Washington Times4hTrump accuses LeBron James of disrespecting the national anthemThe Western Journal18hLeBron James Gets Roasted For Disrespect to National Anthem: 'This Is How He Shows His Gratitude'WND4h‘LeBron James disrespects our Country!’ Trump dunks on NBA star for his action during national anthem – WATCH * WorldNetDaily * by Bob Unruh
What’s next: Trump said James should apologize to fallen service members. No reply from James has been reported.
- James is in his 24th season, his first with Philadelphia after eight with the Lakers.
- Will James or the NBA respond to Trump's demand for an apology?
- Did James intend the motions as a pregame routine or as a statement?
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