LeBron James Reacts to Donald Trump Blasting Him Over National Anthem

LeBron James finally broke his silence regarding criticism from President Donald Trump, who called out his behavior during the national anthem ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks game at Madison Square Garden earlier in the week.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday night during a press conference after the game, which saw the 76ers beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in a 114-106 comeback victory, James brushed off the controversy with a brief response: “It’s a slow news day at the office, you know. Slow news day in the office.”

LeBron James responds to Donald Trump taking shots at him with a BRUTAL one liner:

“Slow news day at the office, you know.” https://t.co/Y4Qa0lHD6a

— Deuce World🌃 (@deuceworldx) October 23, 2026

The tension began after Trump shared a video on Truth Social just hours before, which showed James practicing a golf swing and a jump shot while the anthem played, while his 76ers teammates mostly stood still.

In the post, Trump slammed the four-time NBA champion as a “TOTAL DISGRACE” and demanded an apology for American veterans and heroes who died for the flag.

Trump: “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! President DONALD J. TRUMP”

— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 22, 2026

Trump’s remarks add another chapter to a long-running public feud between the two, which spans over a decade of political clashes, critical social media jabs, and James’ long history of activism on racial equality and social justice issues.

It dates back to 2017 when James called Trump a “bum” on social media after the White House rescinded an invitation to Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors, stating that visiting the nation’s capital was a great honor “until you showed up.”

On social media, users have responded to the most recent rift between James and Trump. One user commented under one of the posts: “Hilarious thing to say to possibly the most famous athlete in America right before the midterms. Trump is in a class of his own.” Another user wrote: “that one liner was actually too smooth, he really just dismissed him like that.”

This isn’t the first time that athletes have had issues with Trump and his administration. Earlier this year, former Philadelphia Eagles safety Brian Dawkins and the NFL pushed back against the Department of Homeland Security after the agency used unauthorized footage of the retired athlete in a post about immigration and enforcement efforts.

76ers head coach Nick Nurse addressed the media before Thursday night’s game, but chose instead to focus on basketball. Nurse said that the social media storm was part of the “outside noise” that comes with being a famous athlete and said that his team’s focus remains on game preparation.

Trump has been campaigning ahead of the midterms elections making stops in Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Iowa this week. Meanwhile, James’ response makes it clear he intends to keep his attention on the game as he navigates a new team with the 2026-27 NBA season underway.