Trump Booed at NBA Finals as Knicks Lose
Last update: June 9, 2026
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First US president courtside at the NBA Finals, but it wasn’t all cheers for Trump in his hometown New York.
So, history was made at Madison Square Garden on Monday night — and not just on the court. According to cbinews.tv, Donald Trump became the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game, but his homecoming to New York was a bit frosty.
Here’s what went down:
- Fans had to queue for hours — we’re talking two blocks long — thanks to the ramped-up security. Not exactly what you want before tip-off.
- When Trump popped up on the big screen during the national anthem, saluting with granddaughter Kai Trump, Knicks owner James Dolan, and a few cabinet members, the boos broke out loud and clear.
- Trump’s take after the game? “It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic.”
The Knicks ended up losing 111-115 to the San Antonio Spurs in game three, trimming their series lead to 2-1. Bit of a double whammy for New York fans.
The vibe in Manhattan?
Let’s just say Marine One, motorcades, and metal barriers aren’t great for Finals night energy. Thousands of NYPD officers plus Secret Service shut down streets around MSG. Bars that should’ve been packed were empty because foot traffic couldn’t get through. One local told the BBC it was “killing the vibe of the Knicks”.
Meanwhile, the celeb turnout was still strong — Tracy Morgan, Tina Fey, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet all courtsides. Even New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani showed up.
Fans didn’t let the security ruin *all* the fun though. With the official MSG watch party cancelled due to Trump’s appearance, crowds packed into Bryant Park instead. People were climbing scaffolding, huddling round laptops, running up and down the streets every time the Knicks scored.
One 44-year-old fan said he was 17 the last time the Knicks made the Finals back in 1999 — also against the Spurs. His verdict on Trump’s visit? “Very annoying”.
For a president born in Queens, it’s safe to say his relationship with heavily Democratic New York is still… complicated.
Story via cbinews.tv
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