NBA star LeBron James dismissed sharp public criticism from former President Donald Trump, brushing aside accusations of disrespect toward the national anthem with a brief postgame remark.
The exchange began after Trump criticized James on Truth Social, calling the four-time NBA champion a “TOTAL DISGRACE.” Trump alleged that James showed disrespect during the pregame performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” at Madison Square Garden ahead of the Philadelphia 76ersβ season opener against the New York Knicks, claiming James was practicing his shooting motion and a golf swing rather than standing still. Trump demanded an apology, asserting the athlete’s actions insulted American service members.
Questioned by reporters following Philadelphiaβs comeback home win on Thursday night, James declined to escalate the public feud.
“Slow news day at the office, you know?” James remarked. “Slow news day in the office.”
Trump continued to target James during a campaign rally in Iowa on Thursday evening, characterizing the pregame warmup footage as a major controversy before a booing crowd.
The public friction marks the latest chapter in a long-standing tension between the two figures dating back to Trump’s presidency. James previously withdrew interest in visiting the White House following championship victories during Trump’s tenure, while Trump has repeatedly criticized James’s political outspokenness and television ratings for NBA broadcasts.
James, making his debut with the 76ers this season, has maintained a focus on on-court play, helping steer Philadelphia to a 106β100 victory over the Knicks in the opener and an eight-point win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday.
