LeBron James’ former NBA teammate, Tristan Thompson, is facing significant criticism on social media for his visit to the White House, where he met Vice President J.D. Vance amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Thompson paid a visit to the James Brady Press Briefing Room in the White House on Thursday to share his thoughts on NIL compensation for college athletes. He shared a picture from the visit, showing himself with J.D. Vance.
Thompson’s photograph captioned, “I just met J.D. Vance,” was shared on X by fans, where it has gone viral, leading to criticism for the former Cleveland Cavaliers center.
Here are the most noteworthy reactions on X:
“Mind you, Tristan Thompson is not even American. Deport that bozo,” one fan said.
“Tristan talking like he’s not banned from Toronto,” another fan said.
“Someone collect his citizenship already,” a fan wrote.
“My hate is always JUSTIFIED,” another fan wrote.
“Take his passport, I mean it,” a fan commented.
Photos and videos of Thompson addressing the media from the briefing room were shared on Instagram by Donald Trump’s special assistant and communications advisor.
Thompson spent 13 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, Sacramento Kings, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics. He played 819 games, averaging 8.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game, shooting 52.0% for his career.
Tristan Thompson expresses the need to “protect” student athletes during White House visit
Tristan Thompson addressed the media on Thursday from the White House, sharing his thoughts on NIL compensation and the protection of student-athletes. Clips shared by Trump’s communications advisor, Margo Martin, show Thompson stressing the need for a new system.
“We want to create a programme for them,” he said. “We need to create a system to protect them.”
Thompson also stressed the importance of teaching financial literacy to athletes, so that they can better protect their interests after their playing careers end.
Tristan Thompson earned $122 million in salary during his NBA career, as per Spotrac. As of March 2026, his net worth stands at $45 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Read More: LeBron James’ Ex-Teammate Gives His Stamp of Approval As Colorado Freshman Overshadows AJ Dybantsa
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