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President Donald Trump received a massive reaction from a sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
As the national anthem was sung, Trump was shown on the MSG big screen above the field, and a mixed reaction from the crowd ensued.
While there was some cheering as Trump greeted the crowd from his suite, boos from those in attendance rang louder before the video cut back to NYPD officers holding flags on the field.
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President Donald Trump watches the start of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Trump was accompanied by his grandson, Kai Trump, who was on his right side with his hand over his heart. Knicks owner James Dolan was also in the suite with Trump to his left when he was shown.
This reception by fans in New York City was very different from another major sporting event this year – the College Football National Championship.
College football fans ate up the moment Trump was on the Jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium. Similarly, Trump was shown during the national anthem before the game. Surrounded by his grandchildren, Trump waved to the crowd, which erupted in cheers.
SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TURN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINAL VISIT
New York fans clearly did not share the same sentiment as those from Florida.
Trump’s arrival in New York meant increased security throughout the city. A security fence went up around MSG, the Secret Service and several law enforcement officials performed their duties to the highest standard, which meant longer lines and wait times to enter the arena.
President Donald Trump watches before game three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
The NYPD also announced that vehicular and pedestrian traffic was closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue at
And watch parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD claiming it was because of security for Trump’s visit.
“The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, that we could not support sea parties right outside the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said during a news conference. “We’re looking forward to bringing watch parties back for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town and they understand that generally means area shutdowns, and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”
President Donald Trump watches the first quarter of Game Three between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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MSG pushed back on the NYPD’s position, saying the permit was denied by local city officials rather than Trump’s presence.
Trump has attended several sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup.
