Donald Trump raised eyebrows over the stance that Victor Wembanyama, center for the San Antonio Spurs, took during the national anthem at the first game of the NBA Finals. However, the 22-year-old from France adopted a noticeably different posture for Game 2.

As the New York Knicks prepared to face the Spurs in San Antonio on Friday, Wembanyama was observed in a prayerful stance during The Star-Spangled Banner. His teammates either placed their hands on their hearts or kept them by their sides. In contrast, during the anthem at the series opener two nights prior, Wembanyama stood with his arms crossed over his towering 7-foot-5 frame.

Trump was questioned about Wembanyama’s initial posture while aboard Air Force One, in an interview with Fox News’ conservative sports outlet, Outkick, on Friday.

“I wasn’t aware of that,” Trump remarked ahead of Game 2. “Is that really what he did? What was his intention?”

Outkick’s Dan Zaksheske informed the President, “No one has inquired about his reasons.”

‘I guess you’ll have to ask him,’ Trump said.

Victor Wembanyama was seen in a prayer position during the national anthem on Friday

Victor Wembanyama stood with his arms folded across his 7ft 5in frame before Game 1

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One en route from Wisconsin

Some online critics have suggested Wembanyama was intentionally disrespecting the United States during Wednesday’s anthem.

‘The dude can’t even respect the American National Anthem being sung,’ one critic wrote on X, echoing a sentiment held by many others.

Outside of Luke Kornet and Mason Plumlee, who placed their hands over their hearts, most of the Spurs positioned their arms at their sides during the performance.

This also infuriated online critics.

‘Spurs players REFUSE to put their hands over their hearts for the national anthem!’ online influencer Matt Wallace wrote on X. ‘They are making millions of dollars to play a child’s game and still feel oppressed somehow…

‘Only 2 players covered their hearts. Take note of which ones!’

The post came across Stephen A. Smith’s attention, prompting the ESPN host to issue a scathing response to Wallace.

Wembanyama struggled in Game 1 as the Knicks came back to steal the opener in San Antonio

‘This is patently false,’ Smith wrote. ‘There are plenty of people who listen to the Nat’l Anthem and simply bow their heads with their hands in front of them or behind their backs and pay respects.

‘Holding your hand over your heart is not a requirement. The Spurs were not being disrespectful in anyway. Who is anyone to say they were just over that gesture? That is utterly ridiculous!!!’

Wembanyama has not yet been asked about his posture during the anthem. Reporters likely won’t have a chance during Friday’s post-game media availability, when questions typically focus on competition.

His decision to pray during Friday’s anthem also angered Wallace, who accused Wembanyama of covering his face. 

‘Victor Wembanyama covers his face during the national anthem!’ Wallace wrote on X. ‘This is the most disrespectful thing I have ever seen a foreign player do while playing in the United States. Unbelievable.’

Wembanyama does not identify with any specific religion, but was seen wearing a traditional Middle Eastern garment during the Muslim holiday of Etid al-Adha. 

Although he has never protested during the anthem, Wembanyama has expressed concerns about immigration enforcement in the United States, as well as the plight of Palestinians in Gaza.

The Nuggets’ Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf is seen praying before a 1995 NBA game in Denver 

Decades earlier, the Denver Nuggets’ Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf drew criticism for refusing to stand during the national anthem. 

It was in 1996 that Abdul-Rauf began sitting during The Star-Spangled banner or remaining in the locker room until the song was completed.

‘I’m a Muslim first and a Muslim last,’ he told reporters at the time. ‘My duty is to my creator, not to nationalistic ideology.’

Unlike Colin Kaepernick in the NFL years later, the NBA suspended Abdul-Rauf by citing a rule that players and coaches must ‘stand and line up in a dignified posture’ during anthems. He quickly compromised with the league, agreeing to stand during the anthem while quietly praying.

In 2023, Adul-Rauf told The Daily Mail he had no regrets over his protests. 

Prime Minister Mark Carney has issued a stark warning that Jewish Canadians are facing severe targeting, while unveiling a new anti-racism council. However, the council’s composition has sparked controversy, as it reportedly includes two individuals who hold contentious views regarding the Jewish state.

In his address on antisemitism, Carney’s announcement was met with outrage. Critics are questioning the suitability of a council designed to combat hate and antisemitism that appears to include members perceived as unsympathetic to Jewish community concerns.

Omar Alghabra, a former cabinet minister and Member of Parliament from the Liberal party, has come under fire for mourning the death of Yasser Arafat, the former Palestinian leader. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies has labeled Arafat as the “father of modern terrorism.” Additionally, Alghabra attracted criticism for not condemning the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, as reported by Canada’s Rebel News.

Alghabra’s past statements about Israel have also drawn attention. In 2005, The Jerusalem Post reported that he criticized Toronto’s police chief for participating in a “Walk with Israel” event. He characterized the event as an expression of allegiance to a foreign nation embroiled in unresolved conflict and described Israel as perpetrating a “brutal and the longest contemporary military occupation in the world.”

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney addressed the media at a press conference following a Cabinet meeting, focusing on trade discussions with the U.S. and the Middle Eastern situation. This event took place at the National Press Theater in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, on July 30, 2025. (DAVE CHAN/AFP via Getty Images)