Trump Accuses LeBron James of Disrespecting the National Anthem; James Responds Dismissively
Photo: Awful AnnouncingPresident Donald Trump accused LeBron James of disrespecting the country by appearing to stretch during the national anthem before a Philadelphia 76ers game, calling him a total disgrace in a Truth Social post. Trump also raised the matter at a 2026 midterm campaign rally in Iowa, calling it a big scandal and criticizing WNBA teams that leave the court before the anthem. Asked about the remarks after the 76ers' Thursday win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, James replied that it must be a slow news day at the office. Commentator Stephen A. Smith said Trump was using James as a political tool. Trump has argued people should stand with a hand over their heart for the anthem, while athletes often sway or listen with their hands at their sides.
Left-leaning HuffPost leads with James's one-line dismissal, calls Trump's attack furious, and recalls the feud dating to James calling Trump a "bum" in 2017, while noting backlash from pro-Trump social media accounts. It does not mention Smith's comments. The alternative source Awful Announcing leads with Smith's political-tool argument, features Trump's post demanding an apology to veterans, and stresses James's 24 seasons of standing for the anthem. Right-leaning The Blaze centers on WNBA teams skipping the anthem, quoting host Jason Whitlock on a pattern that includes James stretching. Right-leaning Daily Mail instead leads with a pregame handshake between James and Joel Embiid, quoting mocking fans and noting the 76ers' comeback from a 29-point deficit. Left and right sources agree on the core facts: Trump's accusation and James's stretching during the anthem. They differ in emphasis: the left highlights the feud and James's reply, while the right highlights WNBA criticism or the handshake.
How the sides differ Left sources stress James's dismissive reply; alternative sources highlight the political angle; right sources focus on WNBA teams or the handshake.
Headline, comparison and summary written by AI from the articles below. AI can make mistakes, so check the original articles before relying on a detail.
HuffPost frames Trump's post as a furious attack and leads with James's quip, headlined as a dunk on the president. It recalls their feud and notes pro-Trump social media backlash.
Awful Announcing frames Trump as using James as a politically expedient tool, featuring Stephen A. Smith's critique and noting athletes commonly sway during the anthem.
- Washington ExaminerLeBron James has ‘zero appreciation for what he has’: Joe Concha
The Blaze frames the story as James and the WNBA snubbing the anthem, quoting Jason Whitlock. Daily Mail frames it around a vulgar handshake with Joel Embiid, featuring mocking fan posts.