On October 23, 2026, LeBron James answered President Donald Trump after the president criticized him over the national anthem. As reported by The Guardian, LeBron James kept his reply short. He did not address the details of the criticism and offered only a brief comment that treated the matter as minor.

This began earlier in the week. On Tuesday, October 20, the Philadelphia 76ers opened their season against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. As Associated Press reported, video from before tip-off showed LeBron James standing in the team line while the anthem played. He moved his arms in motions that looked like a golf swing and then like a basketball shot. Most of his teammates stayed mostly still.

The clip circulated online the next day. Donald Trump posted it on Truth Social on Thursday, October 22. Donald Trump's post stated:

"While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. 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!"

According to The Guardian, President Donald Trump later repeated parts of the same criticism at a campaign event in Iowa that evening. He described the video as a notable story. The 76ers had already beaten the Knicks 106-100 that Tuesday. LeBron James finished with 14 points, nine rebounds and six assists in his first regular-season game with the team.

James spoke after the 76ers' next game. As reported by the Associated Press, on Thursday night, they faced the Cleveland Cavaliers at home and won 114-106. The 76ers had trailed by as many as 29 points. Tyrese Maxey scored 32 points, and Joel Embiid added 24. James contributed 17 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and three steals.

After the final horn, as The Guardian reported, he told reporters:

"It must be a slow news day at the office."

He repeated a shorter version of the line moments later. As reported by the outlet, Sixers coach Nick Nurse had already called outside remarks the kind of noise the team expected to ignore. He said the group's focus on practice and film had stayed strong. The 76ers stand 2-0 after the wins over the Knicks and Cavaliers.

LeBron James and Donald Trump's earlier exchanges

Public comments between the two have appeared for years. According to The Washington Post, LeBron James called Donald Trump a “bum” on social media in 2017 after the Golden State Warriors declined a White House visit. That same season, he wore one black shoe and one white shoe with the word equality on them and said the country would not let one person define its character.

As the outlet reported, in 2018, after a television host suggested athletes avoid political topics, James answered that he would not shut up and dribble. He pointed to the number of young people who look to athletes for direction.

Trump has offered his own remarks in recent months. As reported by The Athletic, he suggested in July 2026 that James might be a racist when asked to compare him with Michael Jordan. Trump added that he only likes people who like him. James has endorsed Democratic candidates in multiple presidential cycles and has spoken about using his platform outside basketball.

Neither side has issued further public statements on the anthem video as of early Friday.