President Trump is demanding an apology from LeBron James for this.

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SoundTikTok sound · original sound - abcnews

Why it worked

The video leverages a high-profile celebrity feud and a polarizing political figure to drive engagement through sensationalist news reporting.

Summary

ABC News reports on a public feud between Donald Trump and LeBron James, triggered by a video of James appearing to practice his golf swing during the national anthem. The segment includes footage of the incident, Trump's social media post, and James' brief dismissal of the controversy.

Structure

1Introduction of the controversy between Trump and LeBron James
2Footage of LeBron James during the national anthem
3Display of Donald Trump's social media post
4Trump's commentary on the incident
5LeBron James' response to the media
6Conclusion on the significance of the game

On-screen text

PRESIDENT TRUMP SLAMS LEBRON JAMES OVER BEHAVIOR DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM LeBron working on his golf swing pregame Oct. 23, 2026 Donald J. 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 The Philadelphia Inquirer @JDumasReports/X WPVI HANNA BATTAH

Original caption

President Trump called LeBron James a "total disgrace" over a video appearing to show the NBA star stretching during the national anthem. James responded after Thursday night's 76ers game, saying it "must be a slow news day." #donaldtrump #lebronjames #nationalanthem #NBA #basketball #abcnews

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Transcript

President Trump is demanding an apology from LeBron James for this. This video is from Tuesday night, James' first game with the 76ers. During the anthem in New York, his teammates stood still, while James swayed, stretched his arms, and went through his shooting motion. The president posting the video yesterday, calling James a total disgrace, saying he should apologize to all of those great American warriors and heroes who died for the American flag. And what about LeBron James? Did you see that deal? During the national anthem, he's practicing his golf swing. He's practicing. I said, what the hell is that? Last night at the 76ers home opener, James stood for the anthem with his hands behind his back. James and Trump have feuded for years. In 2017, James criticized Trump for pulling the champion Golden State Warriors White House invitation, and Trump has questioned James' intelligence. He was asked after the game for a response to the president's remarks. It must be a slow news day at the office, you know. Slow news day in the office. Last night's win was the biggest comeback of LeBron's 24-year career.