Donald Trump, President of the United States, was loudly booed at Madison Square Garden before Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York and San Antonio.
Chants of “USA, USA” echoed through the famous arena during the national anthem, but those cheers gave way to boos moments later when Trump was shown on the giant screens inside the arena. The crowd’s disapproval stopped when Trump’s image was replaced on the screens by the American flag.
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
He watched Game 3 of the Finals between New York and San Antonio (111:115) from the suite of Knicks owner James Dolan, accompanied by his granddaughter Kai, personal adviser Boris Epshteyn, and cabinet secretaries Lee Zeldin, Sean Duffy, and Doug Burgum.
President Trump is in attendance for Game 3 in New York.
— ESPN (@espn) June 9, 2026
He's the first sitting U.S. President to attend an NBA Finals game. pic.twitter.com/sHdRNArzUu
He sat next to Dolan during the first quarter and spent part of the second quarter talking with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and senior Republican Party official Bruce Blakeman.
Trump’s helicopter, Marine One, took off from his home in New Jersey and landed near Wall Street before his motorcade traveled through Manhattan and arrived at Madison Square Garden approximately one hour before tipoff.
He encountered several people making rude gestures, while one group held signs reading: “Trump Must Go.” Shortly afterward, he settled into Dolan’s suite.
During the afternoon before Trump’s arrival, the New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service established a large security perimeter around Madison Square Garden. Fans were lining up outside the arena more than four hours before the game, in scenes that resembled New Year’s Eve in Times Square more than a typical pregame atmosphere.
Trump booed very loudly here at MSG pic.twitter.com/IeQwwqGtop
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) June 9, 2026
They were required to show a ticket or credential to pass through multiple security checkpoints. Secret Service agents and police officers were stationed at every corner in large numbers. New York residents, tourists, and fans were confused as they tried to navigate the security measures.
“We asked so many police officers, Secret Service agents, guys with rifles, what we should do and where we should go. Nobody knew,” said Knicks fan Greg Weldon.
Because of the heightened security, all pregame activities outside the arena were canceled, and ticket holders were not allowed to bring bags into the game.
In addition to Trump, the game was attended by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, as well as other notable guests from various fields.
Trump booed very loudly here at MSG pic.twitter.com/IeQwwqGtop
— Esfandiar Baraheni (@JustEsBaraheni) June 9, 2026
The current U.S. president was not only booed inside the arena, but also at Bryant Park, where the game was being shown on a giant video screen.
Many have criticized Trump because footage appears to show him even falling asleep during the game.
Crowd at Bryant Park watch party also booed President Trump. pic.twitter.com/aV3bTxqbRa
— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) June 9, 2026
San Antonio’s players reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the Finals series and ended the Knicks’ streak of 13 consecutive playoff victories.
DONALD TRUMP HAS FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE NBA FINALS IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. pic.twitter.com/rFrW6c4cME
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 9, 2026
Game 4 of the NBA Finals will be played in the night between Wednesday and Thursday, again in New York, starting at 2:30 a.m. after midnight.
MORE TOPICS:
TWO GREAT TRAGEDIES ON THE VELIKA MORAVA: First a girl (13) drowned, and then two boys aged 15!
THE PETER’S FAST BEGINS TODAY: Here is how long it lasts and what should be observed!
Source: Nova.rs; Foto: Printscreen X



