Trump Criticizes LeBron James for Moving During National Anthem

President Donald Trump criticized NBA star LeBron James on Thursday for appearing to practice golf swings and basketball shots during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener against the New York Knicks on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden. In a social media post, Trump said James "disrespected" the United States and called on him to apologize to American military personnel.

Video footage showed James, 41, in his debut with the 76ers, making the motion of a golf swing and practicing a jump shot while "The Star-Spangled Banner" was performed. His teammates, lined up nearby, largely remained still during the anthem. Trump stated: "LeBron James should apologize to all of those Great American Warriors and Heroes who died for the American Flag, and all that our Country stands for!"

James has not publicly responded to Trump's criticism. The 76ers' coach Nick Nurse addressed the incident before the team's home opener Thursday against Cleveland, describing it as "outside noise" the team had prepared to handle. Nurse emphasized the team's focus on preparation and performance, saying: "All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they've had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding."

Trump and James have exchanged public criticism for years. James has spoken out on social and political issues, including statements critical of Trump's presidency. In 2016, James said Trump "doesn't understand" the responsibility of the presidential office to young people seeking guidance. Trump has also criticized James' intelligence and stated in July that he preferred Michael Jordan as the greatest basketball player of all time.

The national anthem tradition at U.S. sports events has become a political focal point in recent years. In 2016, then-NFL player Colin Kaepernick knelt during the anthem to protest police brutality and racism, drawing criticism from Trump. Trump himself faced criticism in 2020 when video showed him appearing to conduct the national anthem with hand gestures at a Super Bowl watch party while others stood with hands over their hearts.