Trump Condemns LeBron James' Anthem Golf Swing

Philadelphia 76ers star LeBron James faced intense public backlash and a sharp rebuke from President Donald Trump after being filmed appearing to practice a golf swing and jump shots during the national anthem ahead of his team’s season opener on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

The controversy ignited almost immediately after footage circulated online following the 76ers’ 106-100 victory over the New York Knicks. While his teammates stood largely motionless along the baseline during The Star-Spangled Banner, the 41-year-old forward was captured making lateral golf-swing motions and simulating basketball shooting movements.

The images drew swift condemnation from political figures and sports commentators alike. President Donald Trump took to social media to denounce the veteran player.

reporter asked him about the president’s remarks

While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country! I said right from the beginning that he’s no good, a TOTAL DISGRACE. LeBron 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, US President, via BBC

Linda Cohn and Public Figures React to Madison Square Garden Footage

The viral video triggered a wide wave of commentary across sports media. Veteran sportscaster Linda Cohn voiced her dismay on The Linda Cohn Show, comparing the player’s conduct to that of a restless child.

What is LeBron James doing? He’s acting like a three-year-old. He’s at the end of the line, the anthem is being played, and he’s practicing his golf swing. He’s doing a number of repetitions with his golf swing, and then he’s shooting air hoops, practicing his shot.

Linda Cohn, Sportscaster, via Yahoo Sports

Cohn also questioned whether the actions stemmed from a desire for attention, drawing a parallel to recent protests by WNBA players during the league finals. Other prominent media voices joined the criticism. Fox News host Laura Ingraham posted Classy, as always on social media, while online commentator Matt Wallace wrote that the routine amounted to clear disrespect rather than a formal protest. OutKick founder Clay Travis also weighed in, stating he was already looking forward to the player’s eventual retirement.

President Trump UNLOADS on LeBron James for DISRESPECTING National Anthem!

LeBron James Brushes Off Criticism Following Philadelphia’s Home Opener

Faced with questions from reporters following a subsequent 114-106 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers at home, James chose not to engage in an extended public feud. Asked about the presidential rebuke, he offered a brief, sarcastic dismissal.

It must be a slow news day at the office, you know. Slow news day in the office.

LeBron James, Philadelphia 76ers Forward, via ESPN

76ers head coach Nick Nurse similarly sought to insulate his locker room from the outside criticism. Speaking ahead of the home opener, Nurse emphasized that the controversy represented typical external distractions that the team has learned to tune out.

Trump Condemns LeBron James' Anthem Golf Swing — Photo: Yahoo Sports

I think that goes right in with other outside noise we’ve already had. I keep saying the same thing. All I really care about is getting to the practice floor, getting them in the film room, getting them to the game floor. The focus that they’ve had and the intent and all the stuff like that has been outstanding.

Nick Nurse, Philadelphia 76ers Head Coach, via Yahoo News Singapore

During the home game against Cleveland, James adopted a notably different pregame posture, standing with his arms behind his back and his head bowed while Boyz II Men performed the national anthem.

A Long History of Political Clashes and Pregame Routines

The friction between Trump and James is built upon nearly a decade of mutual animosity. Their public clashes trace back to 2017, when James famously labeled the president U bum after Trump uninvited Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors from the White House. Subsequent years saw further verbal exchanges, including Trump suggesting in 2018 that the athlete lacked intelligence, and James accusing the administration of emboldening racists and contributing to political division.

Instagram

Pregame anthem habits have also landed the four-time MVP in similar controversies before. In December 2025, while playing for the Los Angeles Lakers, video footage caught him performing comparable golf-swing motions prior to a game against the Sacramento Kings, drawing a reprimand from sports radio host Craig Carton.

Despite the off-court noise, James enters his historic 24th NBA season focused on his performance with Philadelphia. Having signed a two-year veteran minimum contract this past offseason, he continues to anchor a competitive 76ers roster as the franchise pursues a deep postseason run.