President Trump demands apology from LeBron James

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

President Trump demands apology from LeBron James

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Oct 22, 2026 3:42 PM ET

President Donald Trump demanded an apology from LeBron James after video emerged of the Philadelphia 76ers star practicing his golf swing during the national anthem on Wednesday.

In a post on his Truth Social website, Trump called James a “total disgrace” for seemingly feigning a golf swing prior to Wednesday’s game between the 76ers and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump added that 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!”

Donald Trump calls out LeBron James https://t.co/knuxWtNtSD
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 22, 2026

In addition to miming a golf swing, James can be seen practicing his free throw form and stretching during the anthem. The latter act, in particularly, is common among NBA players.

This is far from the first time Trump has been critical of James. James is a well-known critic of the president and has even fired back at him in the past.

Based on James’ past behavior, an apology likely is not forthcoming. He was handling hecklers just fine during his Sixers debut, and beefing with President Trump is not even new for him.

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