Donald Trump was met with a chorus of boos and jeers when he appeared on the video screens at Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA finals on Monday night. The former US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended the match as a guest of team owner James Dolan.
The hostile reception came as little surprise, given that NBA fans tend to lean liberal and New York City overwhelmingly supported Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Trump was shown on the jumbotron for just over eight seconds, holding a salute with a smile, before the crowd’s attention turned to the Knicks players, prompting cheers.
Trump watched the game from the owner’s box, accompanied by Dolan, interior secretary Doug Burgum, transportation secretary Sean Duffy and his granddaughter Kai. Later in the match, which the Knicks lost 115-111, Trump appeared to fall asleep.
The president’s visit prompted heightened security around the arena, including a 10-foot perimeter fence, a strict no-bag policy, and a “frozen zone” sealed off by police. The restrictions led to the cancellation of an outdoor watch party that had drawn thousands of fans during earlier playoff games.
Some fans expressed frustration at the disruption. Joanne Cadden, a 53-year-old 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.” Rich Becker, a 54-year-old fan from Queens, added: “It changed everything. Just stay away.”
