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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 San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.
As the national anthem was sung, Trump appeared on the big MSG screen above the field, prompting a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Although there were some cheers, as Trump waved to the crowd from his suite, the boos from those in attendance rang out 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 on June 8, 2026. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
Trump was accompanied by his granddaughter, Kai Trump, who was to his right, hand on heart. Knicks owner James Dolan was also in the suite with Trump to his left when he was shown.
This fan reception in New York was very different from another key sporting event this year: the college football national championship.
College football fans devoured the moment when Trump was on the Jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium. Likewise, Trump was shown during the national anthem before the game. While surrounded by his grandchildren, Trump waved to the crowd, who began to applaud loudly.
SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TURN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINALS VISIT
The New York fans clearly did not share the same feeling as those in Florida.
Trump’s arrival in New York meant increased security throughout the city. A security barrier was erected around the MSG, Secret Service and more law enforcement officers performed their duties to the highest standards, resulting in longer lines to enter the arena.
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)
The NYPD also announced that vehicle and pedestrian traffic was closed from West 30th Street to West 35th Street, between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue, at 4 p.m.
And watch parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD saying it was for security reasons during Trump’s visit.
“The New York Police Department, in coordination with the Secret Service, made the decision for Game 3, where we have a presidential visit, to not be able to have watch parties right outside of the Garden,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. “We’re looking forward to bringing back watch parties for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town, and they understand that usually means locking down certain areas and that’s what you’re going to see tonight at the Garden.”
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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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 numerous 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.
