US President Donald Trump was booed “ferociously” by fellow New York Knicks fans when he attended the National Basketball Association (NBA) finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday, the first sitting president to do so.
Security has been stepped up for his visit, with authorities barring fans without tickets from coming within a few blocks of the venue.
I’ll explain what happened.
what happened?
The president, who was watching the game against the San Antonio Spurs in his executive suite, was jeered by fans when he appeared on a screen inside the arena during the national anthem.
Trump was shown on a jumbotron, a giant screen, saluting the American flag during the national anthem, and was met with a chorus of boos, but was given a light reception after the game. The Spurs won 115-111, giving the Knicks a 2-1 series lead.
The Athletic reported that the 79-year-old Trump, a native New Yorker, received louder boos than his rivals, the Spurs.
White House pool reporters said the president was booed “ferociously.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he would welcome President Trump to attend the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that Trump is a “true Knicks fan.”
“What makes sports special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that we have something in common,” Silver said on ESPN’s Inside the NBA before Game 3. “We should look for common ground and develop it,” he said.
However, ESPN reported that as President Trump’s motorcade arrived at the venue, fans made rude gestures toward Trump, and some held signs that read, “Trump must leave.”
Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, last visited Madison Square Garden in November 2024 to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match after his election victory. He earlier held an election rally at the venue.
What safety measures were in place before the game?
Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, media and stadium staff to present tickets or passes for entry. Police and Secret Service personnel guarded every corner outside the arena.
Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30pm (Tuesday) tip-off to pass through airport-style security. No bags were allowed.
“Obviously, it’s a little bit of an inconvenience for the fans, but when you look around the arena, it’s full,” Silver said during the game. “People listened, came early and got through the extra security that was needed.”
The Secret Service has deployed anti-drone technology as part of an operation to protect the US leader, who is facing his third assassination attempt in less than two years.
“The Secret Service’s focus is simple and clear: We are fulfilling our responsibility to protect the President of the United States while ensuring that everyone attending the game has an enjoyable and safe experience,” Special Agent Matt McCool told reporters.
Meanwhile, police downplayed widespread safety concerns after a stabbing late Sunday that injured six people at Penn Station, located in the basement of the venue. US media said the male suspect was mentally disturbed and there was no connection to terrorism.
Trump, who was invited to watch Game 3 by Knicks owner James Dolan, sat in a specially constructed box with bulletproof glass in a suite in the middle of the seating area near midcourt. The box was one of several safety measures taken with President Trump in attendance.
“The message is simple: Celebrate the Knicks, but if you don’t have a ticket to the game, don’t go to the MSG area tonight,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a press conference, referring to Madison Square Garden.
Before the game, AFP reporters reported seeing a 10-foot (3-meter) fence surrounding part of Madison Square Garden and a large presence of Secret Service agents tasked with protecting the US president.
The investigators, some heavily armed, were accompanied by hundreds of police officers as crowds gathered on the streets near the venue and in public viewing areas around the city.
In addition to increased safety measures, viewing parties outside the Manhattan venue were also banned. This was a hiatus for the first two playoff games between the Knicks and Spurs, which drew jubilant crowds.
Coaches from both teams dismissed suggestions that President Trump’s presence was a distraction for their teams before Game 3.
“My focus is just on what’s next and what’s in front of me. Game 3 is in front of me right now,” Knicks coach Mike Brown said. “I think the same goes for our group.”
Why was President Trump booed?
Some New Yorkers and Democratic lawmakers criticized President Trump for causing inconvenience to fans attending the game.
“In one of the best moments New York City has enjoyed in decades,[Trump]is all about himself. He should leave us alone! He is not wanted here,” Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer wrote in X.
As Trump’s motorcade made its way through the city to Madison Square Garden, some demonstrators took to the streets holding signs that read “Trump must go.” At least two people raised their middle fingers at the vehicle.
Anthony Pooley, 43, a Knicks fan, told AFP that while he thought the disruption was annoying, he was grateful that President Trump was coming to the game.
“I think it sucks. I think it put a damper on all the watch parties. But it’s so great that he wants to show up and be a part of it,” he said.
Have ticket prices increased?
Ticket prices for Monday’s game were out of reach for most New Yorkers, but the self-proclaimed “World’s Most Famous Arena” was still packed, with celebrity fans crowding courtside.
New York City Mayor Zoran Mamdani also attended Game 3 and told media he bought himself a standing-room-only ticket, spending nearly $1,000.
