Trump Criticizes LeBron James Over Anthem-Related Actions
President Donald Trump criticized NBA player LeBron James, calling him a "disgrace" for his perceived actions during the national anthem prior to a Philadelphia 76ers game.
Harrisburg Lancaster Lebanon York, PA, October 22, 2026 —
President Donald Trump criticized NBA player LeBron James over what Trump viewed as James’s actions during the national anthem before a Philadelphia 76ers game, calling the player a “disgrace.”
The account of the criticism does not specify what James did during the anthem or explain why Trump objected. It also does not identify the game, provide its date or location, or say whether James or the 76ers responded. No further details about the circumstances were provided.
The reported remarks center on Trump’s characterization of James’s conduct. The available information does not establish the nature of the actions that prompted the criticism, so the incident cannot be described in more specific terms without additional reporting. It also does not indicate whether the criticism was made in person, in a public statement or through another channel.
James is identified in the account as an NBA player, and the game is described as one involving the Philadelphia 76ers. Beyond those details, no information is provided about the event or the people who may have been present. There are no quoted comments from James, the team or other parties, and no account of what happened after Trump’s remarks.
As a result, the reported episode is limited to Trump’s criticism and the word he used to describe James. The specific conduct at issue, the timing of the remarks and any response remain unclear in the information available.
Story summarized from the original created by DAN GELSTON, Associated Press on www.abc27.com, see more information here.
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