Trump booed at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of NBA Finals

President Donald Trump attended Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday to cheer on his hometown team — but many of his fellow fans didn’t appear thrilled to have him there.

As Trump was shown on the jumbotron here during the national anthem, the crowd erupted in loud booing. Trump smiled as he saluted through the song.

The jeers were followed by raucous cheers as the camera panned to Knicks star Jalen Brunson on the court.

U.S. President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden — U.S. President Donald Trump listens to the national anthem before the start of game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York.Samuel Corum / Getty Images

Trump was standing in Knicks owner Jim Dolan’s box, accompanied by a slew of administration officials, who included Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Some of Trump’s family members, including special envoy Jared Kushner and granddaughter Kai Trump, also joined.

Trump’s presence at Monday’s game made him the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game. But he is no stranger to attending high-profile sporting events.

Game 3 was the 17th sporting event Trump has attended in person since he returned to office last year, often joined by family members, friends and members of his administration. He has attended the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and the men’s tennis U.S. Open final, among others.

Trump showed up at Game 3 as his hometown team returns to New York City with a 2-0 lead over the San Antonio Spurs on a 13-game winning streak.

His presence prompted heightened security measures at Madison Square Garden, forcing ticket holders to adhere to a strict no-bag policy and TSA-style screening before entry.

The city decided not to hold a watch party outside the Garden, prompting backlash from some fans, as the New York Police Department and the Secret Service said “heightened security requirements associated” with Trump’s attendance wouldn’t make the watch party possible.

NBC New York reported that a secure zone was established in midtown Manhattan near the arena, banning both pedestrians and vehicles from passing through the area.

NBC News Top Stories wp:paragraph