Key takeaways:
- Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
- Fans booed when Trump appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, then cheered when Knicks players were shown.
- Security around Madison Square Garden included a no-bag policy, TSA-style screening, a perimeter fence and the cancellation of the arena’s outdoor watch party.
President Donald Trump drew loud boos Monday night when he appeared on Madison Square Garden’s video screens before Game 3 of the NBA Finals, a historic presidential visit that brought heavy security to one of the Knicks’ biggest home games in decades.
Trump, attending as the guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, was shown on the Jumbotron during the national anthem before New York faced the San Antonio Spurs. Jeers and boos spread through the arena as he smiled and held a salute for a little more than eight seconds. Moments later, the crowd erupted in cheers when the video board showed Knicks players, including star Jalen Brunson.
Trump watched from Dolan’s box above center court, joined by administration officials including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin. Family members and associates also attended, including Jared Kushner and Trump’s granddaughter Kai Trump. Secret Service personnel took over neighboring suites, The Guardian reported.
The visit made Trump the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. It was also his 17th sporting event in person since he assumed office in 2025, according to NBC News. He has attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and the men’s tennis U.S. Open final, among other major events. The Guardian also listed the Ryder Cup among sporting events he has attended during his second term.
Trump’s arrival added a political and security dimension to a night already charged with basketball anticipation. The Knicks returned to New York with a 2-0 series lead over the Spurs, a 13-game winning streak and a chance to move within one victory of their first championship since 1973. It was the franchise’s first NBA Finals game at Madison Square Garden since 1999.
Hours before tipoff, security measures reshaped Midtown Manhattan. A 10-foot perimeter fence surrounded the arena, and ticket holders were told to arrive at least two hours early. Fans faced TSA-style screening, metal detectors and a strict no-bag policy. NBC New York reported that a secure zone near Madison Square Garden blocked pedestrians and vehicles from passing through the area.
Authorities also canceled an outdoor watch party outside the arena, saying heightened security requirements tied to Trump’s attendance made it impossible. The New York Police Department and U.S. Secret Service cited those requirements in the decision, which drew complaints from some fans. City officials said other viewing events, including at Bryant Park and Central Park’s Wollman Rink, would continue, and The Guardian reported the MSG watch party was expected to return for Game 4 on Wednesday.
NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch described the restricted area as a “frozen zone,” covering West 30th to West 35th streets between Sixth and Eighth avenues. Access was limited to ticket holders, rail passengers, credentialed personnel and others with authorization.
Some fans said the president’s visit changed the mood around the arena. “He could have picked any other day. This night is for the fans,” said Joanne Cadden, 53, a Knicks supporter from the Bronx. Pointing to the fencing and checkpoints, she added: “This looks like prison.”
Rich Becker, a 54-year-old Knicks fan from Queens, said the cancellation of the outdoor watch party “changed everything.” He added, “Should he be here? I don’t think he should, but he’s coming. He used to be a Knicks fan. He spent a lot of time at the Garden back in the day. But now it’s a little different. Just stay away.”
Other fans focused on the occasion. Tom Meade, 76, who attended Knicks playoff games during the team’s championship era, called the security “a nuisance” but said, “we’re here to enjoy the game and the Knicks.”
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was also in attendance, telling reporters earlier that he bought a standing-room only ticket for about $1,000. Other prominent attendees included Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Ben Stiller, Jon Stewart and Tracy Morgan.
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