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President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game Monday night in New York.
A native of New York, Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between his hometown Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, sitting in a suite with members of his family, Knicks owner James Dolan, Bruce Blakeman and others, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joined him later.
Trump criticized the NBA for being “highly political” in 2020. NBA players were given the opportunity to wear social justice messages on their jerseys and many players kneeled for the national anthem.
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President Donald Trump looks on before Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will happen to them. Defend our country and our flag!!!” Trump posted to X on September 1, 2020.
PK Press Club Digital/OutKick asked Trump after the game if he thought the NBA had moved away from its “left-wing” tendencies. But it seems Trump will put politics aside if he just wants to watch a good game.
“It’s a little bit left-wing. I think so, it’s quite a bit left-wing. But it’s great entertainment,” Trump said.
Trump also praised the NBA for becoming “tougher” in recent years, saying he couldn’t remember such a tight defense 10 years ago.
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 on June 8, 2026. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TURN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINALS VISIT
Trump received a massive reaction from the Madison Square Garden crowd on Monday, contrasting mostly with the way he was received in Florida for the college football national championship.
Trump’s arrival in New York meant increased security throughout the city. A security barrier was erected around MSG. The Secret Service and more law enforcement officers performed their duties to the highest standards, resulting in longer lines and longer wait times to enter the arena.
Watch parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD saying it was for security reasons during Trump’s visit.
President Donald Trump watches the first quarter of Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since the start of his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500, the College Football National Championship, the U.S. Men’s Tennis Open and the Ryder Cup, among others.
