President Donald Trump was loudly booed while attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening, making it the latest sporting event where he has received a frosty reception. Trump, who attended the game as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, was met with a loud roar of jeers when his face was shown on the Jumbotron during the performance of the national anthem at the start of the game. As CNN reporter Hannah Keyser noted, the boos for Trump were even louder than those for the San Antonio Spurs, the team the New York Knicks are up against in the current series. According to a White House pool report, Trump was “thunderously booed” when he was shown on screen.
Multiple attendees recorded the boos that emanated from fans across the arena. Trump watched the Knicks and Spurs from inside a private suite. Members of his administration attended the game as well, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, according to White House pool reports. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also expected to attend the game separately.
Fan Reactions and Security Concerns
Many Knicks fans had been critical of Trump’s attendance, which led to arduous and time-consuming security measures, and the cancellation of a watch party right outside the stadium. Some argued that his presence was ruining the event’s celebratory vibes, while others denounced his political positions. Trump’s motorcade was also booed as it made its way to the stadium earlier in the day. Per the White House pool, signs around the city featured messages such as “Nobody wants you here,” “Trump must go” and “Impeach. Convict. Remove.”
Pattern of Backlash at Sporting Events
Monday’s game marked the latest instance of Trump facing backlash at a prominent sporting event. Previously, he had been booed while attending a Washington Commanders game, the U.S. Open and the FIFA Club World Cup. The recurring hostile receptions highlight the divisive nature of his presence at public gatherings.
