Trump booed – President Donald Trump arrived at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Monday, June 8—turning the national anthem into a visible political clash as he was booed loudly on the big video screens, then greeted again once Knicks players appea
The second Donald Trump showed up on the arena screens at Madison Square Garden, the mood changed fast.
After a few chants of “USA, USA, USA” for the flag at Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, Trump was booed loudly when he was shown during the national anthem. He stood saluting, smiled slightly as the boos grew, and then—once the feed moved to Knicks players—cheering returned.
Trump officially became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game when he arrived for Game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday. June 8. The president entered the building in a large motorcade that rolled up at 7:28 p.m. with intense security locking down most of Midtown for his arrival.
His route to the game took him down the FDR, where signs—including “Nobody wants you here” and “Trump Must Go,” as reflected in a White House pool report—were visible to those along the way.
Inside the arena, Trump watched from a suite protected by thick glass on three sides, open on top. In the suite. the White House pool report sighted EPA administrator Lee Zeldin and Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino. along with Interior Secretary Doug Burgum. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. and Trump’s granddaughter Kai.
The visit didn’t come out of nowhere. Trump had previously said he was considering attending the first NBA Finals game hosted by New York since 1999, after an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan.
Ahead of Monday night, additional security was also expected. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump would have extra protection due to his attendance at the game. Silver also pointed to Trump’s long-standing connection to the franchise. describing him as “a big Knicks fan” before he ran for office. Silver said Trump attended Knicks games in the “old days. ” showed up for multiple Knicks drafts at Madison Square Garden. and appeared in an NBA Entertainment “I love this Game” spot when Silver was running NBA Entertainment.
Game 3’s heightened security planning was layered over a broader media moment already tied to Trump’s sports profile. Trump told reporters on Thursday. June 4 that he watched the beginning and end of NBA Finals Game 1 and marveled at San Antonio’s 7-foot-4 star Victor Wembanyama. He also said he was a longtime Knicks fan.
“Well, I’ve been a Knick fan for a long time, and I’m also a Jim Dolan fan,” Trump said. “He’s a nice guy, OK? He spent a long time wanting to win, and he’s a competitive guy. He’s got a team that’s amazing.”
New York’s own political atmosphere was part of the same weekend storyline. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani planned to attend Game 3, and NBC 4 in New York reported that Mamdani purchased his own ticket.
Trump’s presence at Madison Square Garden also fits a longer pattern of high-profile sports appearances during his second term. He has attended the Super Bowl. the college football national championship game. the Ryder Cup. the Daytona 500. and numerous UFC events. Last year, he attended the U.S. Open men’s tennis final in New York. Most recently before this NBA Finals trip. he went to PGA Tour and LIV Golf events held on golf courses he owns in May.
Before Game 3, Trump also indicated he was considering attending Game 4 of the NBA Finals scheduled for Wednesday night in New York.
With Trump in the stands, security tight around Midtown, and public signs pressed along his route, the game itself became a stage for something bigger than basketball—one visible moment of boos under the anthem that quickly turned back into cheering once the focus returned to the Knicks.
Donald Trump Knicks Spurs NBA Finals Madison Square Garden Game 3 Zohran Mamdani Lee Zeldin Dan Scavino Doug Burgum Sean Duffy Adam Silver Victor Wembanyama
Bro why are they booing him during the anthem like that.
I saw the headline and it’s just wild, like the Knicks can’t even just play ball anymore. The boos on the screens and then suddenly cheering when it cuts to players… seems fake to me.
I don’t even get it, he’s the President, he’s supposed to be there? People act like they invented sports. Also Madison Square Garden is basically a tourist trap, so of course everyone yelling. But weren’t there like security barricades too? Makes it feel more like a political rally than a game.
Wait so he’s saluting during the anthem while getting booed on a video screen? That’s crazy, but also… isn’t the anthem like, national for everyone? I swear I read somewhere Knicks owner James Dolan invited him, so yeah that’s on Dolan. Plus the motorcade route with all the signs, that’s why I’m convinced nobody actually watches the game, it’s all just drama on FDR. Also Spurs?? when did they even make it to the finals, feels like I missed half the season.