The key facts

  • Trump on Truth Social called James a 'complete disgrace' and demanded an apology
  • James joked it off: 'Slow news day at the office'
  • Philadelphia beat Cleveland 114:106 after a comeback

Conflict over the anthem

US President Donald Trump on Thursday criticized NBA star LeBron James for what he called disrespectful behavior during the playing of the national anthem. Trump posted on his social network Truth Social a video in which James, lined up with his Philadelphia 76ers teammates before Tuesday's season-opening game against the New York Knicks, performs warm-up movements. 'While our national anthem was playing, LeBron James showed disrespect for our country! I said from the very beginning that he is bad, A COMPLETE DISGRACE,' Trump wrote. He also demanded that James apologize to 'the great American warriors and heroes who died for the American flag.'

What was in the video

The video used by Trump had an internal caption: 'LeBron works on his golf swing before the game.' In the footage, James was performing side swinging motions and shooting motions typical of basketball.

Speech at a rally

On Thursday evening, at a campaign rally in Iowa, Trump returned to the topic, calling James's actions 'a story like a big scandal.' Trump and James had previously exchanged criticism before.

Reaction from James and the coach

James himself, 41 years old, who is beginning a record 24th NBA season and already with his fourth career team, reacted with restraint. After the 76ers came back and beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 114:106, he said: 'Must have been a slow news day at the office. Slow news day at the office.' Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse called Trump's comments a distraction that he teaches the team not to succumb to: 'It fits into that outside noise that we already had. All I care about is practices, film sessions and games. The guys' focus and commitment were excellent.'

Context

Trump has previously criticized athletes, in particular Black athletes, for their behavior during the anthem. During his first term, he specifically criticized NFL player Colin Kaepernick, who knelt during the anthem in protest against racial injustice and police violence.