‘TOTAL DISGRACE’: Trump reignites LeBron feud after viral anthem video
Basketball icon LeBron James has been lashed by American President Donald Trump after video of his actions during the national anthem circulated online.
James made his Philadelphia debut in the NBA’s opening round against the New York Knicks at the iconic Madison Square Garden on Thursday morning (AEDT).
Philadelphia 76ers’ LeBron James. AP Photo/Matt Slocum
In a video later posted to social media, the 76ers are seen lining up on court as The Star Spangled Banner is played inside the stadium.
While many of the players are swaying on their feet, moving around or have their hands on their hips, it is the actions of James which are most obvious.
The 41-year-old is seen swinging his arms from side to side, which some suggest is a golf-swing motion, and then making several fake practice shots with his hands.
Trump took to his pet social media platform Truth Social to rip into the four-time NBA championship winner.
“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” the president wrote.
“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!”
James is far from the first American athlete to be criticised for his actions during the national anthem.
Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick famously took a knee during a pre-game anthem in 2016 to draw attention to racial issues and inequality in the country.
The Trump rant comes in the same week the Australian national anthem has made headlines again, following divisive criticism of Kangaroos players failing to sing during the World Cup pre-game rendition.
The Australian national anthem is polarising. A 2026 poll conducted by the Institute of Public Affairs showed that 7 per cent of the population is pushing for it to be changed to better recognise the country’s Indigenous heritage.
Trump and James have a long-running public feud.
The basketball superstar ripped Trump in 2017 after the president withdrew a White House invitation for NBA champions the LA Lakers.
LeBron called Trump “a bum” on social media and said “going to the White House was a great honour until you showed up”.
Several other NBA stars also publicly ripped Trump for his actions in 2017.
Earlier this year, Trump suggested James was “racist” after being asked to compare him with Michael Jordan, but could never explain or elaborate on that accusation.
