Donald Trump was met with a hostile reception at Madison Square Garden on Monday night, as the crowd loudly booed and jeered the president when he appeared on the video screens before Game 3 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.
Trump was shown on the jumbotron during the singing of the national anthem, and the boos erupted throughout the arena. The president held a salute with a smile for about eight seconds before the video board switched to Knicks players, turning the boos into cheers.
Trump's Attendance and Security
The US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended as a guest of team owner James Dolan. This marked New York's first NBA finals game since 1999. Trump entered the arena under heavy security, watching from the owner's box above center court, with Secret Service agents occupying neighboring suites. Also present were Dolan, interior secretary Doug Burgum, transportation secretary Sean Duffy, and Trump's granddaughter Kai. Later in the game, which the Knicks lost 115-111, Trump appeared to fall asleep.
Fan Reactions
The hostile reception was unsurprising, given that NBA fans tend to lean liberal, and New York City firmly supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Fans expressed mixed feelings about Trump's presence. Joanne Cadden, a Knicks supporter from the Bronx, said, "He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans. You're making people go away from the Garden. This wasn't the time." She added, gesturing to the security fencing, "This looks like prison."
Rich Becker, a fan from Queens, noted that the president's visit had altered the atmosphere, including the cancellation of the outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands during earlier playoff games. "It changed everything," he said. "Should he be here? I don't think he should, but he's coming. Just stay away."
Security Measures
Heightened security included a 10-foot perimeter fence around the arena, a strict no-bag policy, and Secret Service agents manning metal detectors. Beginning at around 4pm, authorities sealed off several blocks, creating a "frozen zone" between West 30th and West 35th Streets and Sixth and Eighth Avenues. The outdoor watch party was canceled, though other viewing events proceeded as planned.
The precautions echoed Trump's appearance at last year's US Open men's final, where security bottlenecks led to long queues. The heightened security followed massive celebrations after the Knicks' Game 2 victory, which included arrests for climbing light poles and blocking traffic.
Historical Context
Trump confirmed his attendance after an invitation from Dolan, making him the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game. He has become a regular presence at major sporting events during his second term, including the Super Bowl and Daytona 500. His appearance at Madison Square Garden held particular resonance, as he was a fixture courtside during the Knicks' 1990s glory years.
Other notable attendees included New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani, who bought a standing-room ticket for about $1,000, and celebrities such as Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart, and Tracy Morgan.
Fan Perspective
Despite the disruptions, many fans focused on the game itself. Tom Meade, 76, who attended Knicks playoff games during the championship era, said, "This is amazing. The only thing close to it was the Willis Reed and Walt Frazier years." He acknowledged the security as "a nuisance" but added, "We're here to enjoy the game and the Knicks."
