Trump criticizes LeBron James over golf warm-up video during national anthem
Donald Trump called LeBron James a “total disgrace” after a clip showed the basketball star stretching during the national anthem, prompting online users to highlight Trump’s own conduct at a 2020 Super Bowl event.
A video of LeBron James stretching and warming up on a golf course while the national anthem played in Philadelphia was shared widely online. President Donald Trump responded by calling the athlete a “total disgrace” and saying he owed the military an apology, later reenacting the stretches at a rally.
Social-media users pointed out that Trump had been filmed at a 2020 Super Bowl gathering at his Mar-a-Lago club where he appeared to gesture and move during the anthem instead of observing the traditional hand-on-heart gesture. Several commenters suggested Trump should apply the same standards he urges athletes to follow.
"Trump gestured during the anthem too in 2020 but only LeBron James owes apologies," one user wrote.
"Please someone show LeBron this," another added, urging the player to see the earlier footage.
The exchange highlights ongoing debate over expectations of conduct during the national anthem at sporting events.