Anthem Uproar: LeBron Mocked, Fans Fume

LeBron James posing next to a white yeti mascot at a blue-themed event — Photo: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock

President Trump called LeBron James a “total disgrace” for moving during the national anthem, then told fans to stop watching the WNBA over players leaving the court before it plays.

Quick Take

Trump posted video showing LeBron James moving his arms and appearing to practice golf and basketball motions during the anthem before his Philadelphia 76ers debut.
Trump demanded an apology and called the conduct a “total disgrace,” saying it could hurt the NBA’s image.
The president separately urged fans to boycott the WNBA after the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries kept leaving the court before the anthem during the Finals.
James brushed off the criticism, calling it a “slow news day at the office.”
WNBA teams and coaches have declined to explain the pregame routine, even as it continues through Finals games.

Trump Blasts LeBron James Over Anthem Video

President Trump shared a video on Truth Social showing LeBron James standing with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates while the national anthem played. The footage appeared to show James moving his arms, rotating his body, and going through what looked like a golf swing and a basketball shooting motion. The clip came from the 76ers’ season opener against the New York Knicks on October 20.

Trump did not hold back. “While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country!” he wrote, calling the behavior a “total disgrace” and demanding James apologize. The president’s comments spread fast online, with the clip racking up millions of views across social media within hours of his post.

WNBA Finals Draws Boycott Call

Trump did not stop at James. He turned his attention to the WNBA, where the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have left the court before the anthem during every game of the Finals so far. The president told fans to stop watching the league altogether, warning that the players risk “destroying themselves” with the gesture. Reports note some WNBA teams have followed this pregame habit for at least six seasons.

Neither the Dream nor the Valkyries has offered a clear explanation tying their routine to a political statement. Golden State coach Natalie Nakase has called it simply part of the team’s pregame preparation, not a protest. Still, for a president and conservative fans who see the anthem as a moment owed full respect, routine or not, the optics speak for themselves.

James Shrugs Off the Criticism

Asked about Trump’s remarks after a 76ers win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, James gave a short, dismissive answer. “It must be a slow news day at the office,” he told reporters, repeating the line twice. James, a frequent target of Trump’s criticism over the years, reportedly chuckled before answering.

That response did little to calm the backlash. Critics argue that brushing off a sitting president’s concern about anthem respect only proves the point: many star athletes see the ritual as an afterthought rather than a moment demanding full attention. Supporters of James say the clip is being overblown and note he never stopped facing the flag during the anthem.

Trump called LeBron James a 'total disgrace' on Truth Social over a clip of LeBron taking practice golf swings during the national anthem at Madison Square Garden, and demanded an apology. No protest was stated — and LeBron has now fired back: 'slow news day.' Tonight: his Sixers… pic.twitter.com/X4Oi3zmYwO

— Talking Shit From The Sauna (@talkingshitfrom) October 23, 2026

Why This Keeps Happening

Anthem disputes in sports are not new, and research shows Americans remain deeply split on them. A national survey found roughly two-thirds of Americans view anthem protests as unacceptable, with opinions shifting sharply based on race and political views. Another study found gaps as wide as 82 percentage points depending on a person’s background and political leanings.

That divide explains why these moments keep erupting into national controversy. For many conservative fans, the anthem is not optional theater — it is a basic sign of respect for the country and the men and women who defend it. When players treat it as a side activity, whether through kneeling, leaving the court, or simply failing to stand still, the backlash writes itself, and Trump’s willingness to call it out directly resonates with millions who feel the same frustration.