President Donald Trump has demanded that NBA superstar LeBron James apologize to the American people and the nation’s fallen military heroes after the basketball player was seen making shooting gestures and swinging his arms during the national anthem ahead of his debut with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The incident occurred before the 76ers’ game against the New York Knicks, as singer Avery Wilson performed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Rather than standing still throughout the anthem, James appeared to imitate shooting motions and move his arms, drawing criticism from Trump, who accused the veteran basketball star of showing disrespect toward the United States.

Trump posted footage of the incident on Truth Social, accompanied by a sharply worded condemnation of James’ behavior.

“While listening to our National Anthem, LeBron James disrespects our Country,” Trump wrote.

The president went on to demand an apology, invoking the sacrifices of American servicemen and women who gave their lives defending the nation.

“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!” Trump declared.

As of Thursday afternoon, neither James nor the Philadelphia 76ers had publicly responded to the president’s criticism.

The confrontation marks another chapter in Trump’s longstanding disputes with prominent professional athletes over their conduct during the national anthem, an issue he has repeatedly framed as a matter of patriotism and respect for the American flag.

Trump was among the most outspoken critics of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, whose decision to kneel during the anthem in protest of racial injustice sparked a nationwide controversy over patriotism, free speech, and the responsibilities of professional athletes.

During his first administration, Trump also canceled a planned White House celebration honoring the Philadelphia Eagles following their 2018 Super Bowl victory. The decision came amid disagreements over anthem protests and whether players should be expected to stand during the performance.

The president has consistently maintained that professional athletes representing American sports organizations should demonstrate respect for the national anthem and the flag, particularly in recognition of military personnel who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

James’ actions come amid renewed controversy surrounding anthem observances in professional basketball.

The Golden State Valkyries and Atlanta Dream of the WNBA recently faced criticism after players from both teams left the court before the national anthem during the first three games of the league’s Finals.

The teams rejected suggestions that their departures represented a new form of political protest, explaining that leaving the court before the anthem had long been part of their established pregame routines.

“We’ve been doing that,” Valkyries guard Veronica Burton told reporters before Game 2. “That’s just our pregame routine. We’ve been doing that since last year.”

The controversy has also highlighted differences between professional sports leagues in their policies governing player conduct during the national anthem.

The WNBA does not require its players to remain standing for the anthem, allowing teams greater flexibility in their pregame routines.

The NBA, by contrast, has a longstanding rule requiring players, coaches, and trainers to stand in a dignified posture during the national anthem.

The NFL similarly requires players and team personnel who are present on the sideline to stand during the anthem, although individuals who prefer not to participate may remain in the locker room.

Additional reporting Thursday identified the movements as resembling a golf swing followed by a basketball jump shot. James was standing with his Philadelphia teammates, most of whom remained motionless as the anthem played.

The controversy overshadowed an otherwise successful beginning to James’ Philadelphia career. The 41-year-old, now entering his record 24th NBA season, contributed 14 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists as the 76ers defeated the Knicks 106-100 at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night.

James joined Philadelphia this summer after eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers. His move to the 76ers has attracted considerable attention as he continues one of the longest and most accomplished careers in NBA history.

The dispute also revives the longstanding personal and political tensions between Trump and James, who has frequently criticized the president and supported Democratic candidates. James has used his public platform to speak about racial inequality, voting rights, and other political issues.