Jun. 8, 2026, 9:03 PM EDT<\/time><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

President Donald Trump was “thunderously booed” Monday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City when he was shown on the Jumbotron ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals<\/a>according to the White House press pool report.<\/p>\n

The stadium’s reaction comes after some New York Knicks fans warned he would not receive a warm welcome<\/a> during the home game matchup against the San Antonio Spurs — despite New York City being the president’s hometown.<\/p>\n

The White House press pool report described the boos as “loud and long” and noted the reaction “quickly changed to cheers when the camera quickly panned to [Knicks guard] Jalen Brunson on the court.”<\/p>\n

Trump was “standing with his hand over his heart” during the National Anthem as he was met with boos, the pool report said, adding that he was standing between his granddaughter Kai Trump and Knicks owner James Dolan, who “seemed to be smirking at the boos.”<\/p>\n

The president’s posse included several administration officials, also watching in the suite, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Dan Scavino and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.<\/p>\n

At least one Trump official made a courtside appearance with Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick seated next to rappers Fat Joe and famed producer DJ Khaled.<\/p>\n

The Knicks came into Monday night’s game leading the series 2-0, and fans are hoping for a sweep. That is, defeating the Spurs in four consecutive games without a single loss. The team is on the precipice of earning its first championship since 1973, but Trump’s attendance has sparked outcry from many fans.<\/p>\n

Trump, who was invited to attend by Dolan, is the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. Security at the arena has been enhanced in response, and fans attending the game have been encouraged to arrive at least two hours before<\/a> tipoff to allow extra time for TSA-style screening.<\/p>\n

To many fans’ disappointment, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that the watch party typically held outside MSG during games has been canceled due to Trump’s visit after the mayor, the U.S. Secret Service and the NYPD determined that it would hinder the heightened security measures required for Trump.<\/p>\n

Mamdani announced Monday that Bryant Park will serve as a free alternative Knicks watch party location.<\/p>\n

The president’s attendance comes against the backdrop of high-stakes elections and international conflict, including the war with Iran<\/a>which has entered its 15th week, marking just over 100 days since the U.S. and Israel launched a joint attack<\/a> against the country on Feb. 28. His visit also comes weeks after he declined to attend the wedding of his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., citing<\/a> “a thing called Iran and other things.”<\/p>\n

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Erum Salam is a breaking news reporter for MS NOW, with a focus on how global events and foreign policy shape U.S. politics. She previously was a breaking news reporter for The Guardian.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n
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