President Trump booed by fans at Madison Square Garden during NBA Finals Game 3
Donald Trump was met with boos from spectators at Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, marking the first time a sitting U.S. president attended an NBA Finals game.
President Donald Trump was booed by attendees at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. The applause turned to jeers when the Jumbotron displayed Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan in a suite above the court during the national anthem, while later footage of Knicks guard Jalen Brunson received cheers.
The Knicks entered the game with a 2-0 series lead, and Trump’s presence reportedly caused ticket-holding fans to wait two hours or more after security screening. As the presidential motorcade approached the arena, signs reading “Nobody wants you here” and “Trump must go” were visible, and some onlookers booed while others waved American flags.
Accompanying the president were several members of his family and senior staff, including his granddaughter Kai Trump, son-in-law Jared Kushner, and officials such as EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sat courtside, and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, along with several celebrities, were also in attendance.
Republican Representative Hakeem Jeffries expressed criticism of Trump’s attendance, saying the former president was “injecting himself” into a celebration of the Knicks’ first Finals appearance since 1973. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver responded that Trump is welcome at the game, emphasizing that sports can unite people despite political divisions. Silver was later seen speaking with Trump in Dolan’s suite during the event.