At an Iowa rally, Trump says James practiced his golf swing during the anthem and calls it 'a big scandal kind of a story'
Donald TrumpPresident of the United States, at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa
Speaking at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, Trump says James was practicing his golf swing during the national anthem, says he asked what the hell that was, and calls it a big scandal kind of a story that he does not understand.
“No, he’s doing, during the national anthem he’s practicing his golf swing. I said what the hell is that. It’s a big scandal kind of a story. I don’t understand it.”
Reporting
Where this statement fits
Trump says LeBron James disrespected the country by warming up during the national anthem; James calls it a slow news day
On October 22, 2026, President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that LeBron James disrespects the country, calling him a 'TOTAL DISGRACE' and saying he should apologize to Americans who died for the flag. The post shared a video in which James appears to practice a golf swing and a jump shot during the national anthem before the Philadelphia 76ers' season opener at Madison Square Garden on October 20. Trump repeated the complaint at a rally in Sioux City, Iowa, that night. Asked about it after the 76ers' home opener, James said it was a slow news day at the office.
Source and context
Reporting
About this source
Associated Press report, carried by Denver7 (KMGH), on Trump's criticism of James's conduct during the national anthem, including Trump's remarks at a campaign rally in Sioux City, Iowa, on the night of October 22, 2026.
Archived copy (opens in a new tab)Before the quotation
The AP reports that Trump, speaking Thursday night at a campaign rally in Sioux City, reiterated his complaint, beginning: "And what about LeBron James? Did you see that deal?"
After the quotation
The AP report then recounts earlier public clashes between James and Trump, including James calling Trump a bum on Twitter.
How this statement is classified
The label describes this statement's response within the context above.
Why this label?
The case concerns James's conduct during the national anthem before the 76ers' October 20 season opener, which Trump calls disrespect to the country. Trump repeats his objection to that conduct and calls it a scandal, which condemns it.
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More from this case
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The Dispute Index. "At an Iowa rally, Trump says James practiced his golf swing during the anthem and calls it 'a big scandal kind of a story'". First published: 2026-10-30. Last updated: 2026-10-30. https://disputeindex.com/events/7248-speaking-at-a-campaign-rally-in-sioux-city