Trump Booed Loudly During National Anthem at Knicks Finals Game

Nikki McCann Ramirez

View all posts by Nikki McCann Ramirez June 8, 2026

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: U.S. President Donald Trump watches 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 City. Fans attending the game expressed frustration at the heightened security measures put in place for the presidents attendance. (Photo by Samuel Corum/Getty Images)

Donald Trump watches 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 City. Getty Images

New York was having a little too much fun celebrating the Knicks’ first NBA Finals appearance since 1999 — so Donald Trump had to crash the party.

The president threw Midtown Manhattan and Madison Square Garden into logistical chaos on Monday after announcing last week that he would be attending Game 3 of the Finals in person. During the singing of the National Anthem, Trump was loudly booed out by the fans in attendance.

Trump, shown on camera during the national anthem, is booed loudly at MSG pic.twitter.com/NkWE4xsE2Z
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 9, 2026

Trump LOUDLY booed during the national anthem pic.twitter.com/sKzIIhWQ2S
— Jack Settleman (@jacksettleman) June 9, 2026

Following the announcement of Trump’s attendance, fans were told they would need to show up at least two hours early to undergo TSA-style security screenings. No bags of any kind will be allowed in the building. Cars in the area are being towed en masse. Watch parties were relocated. The Secret Service set up a multi-block no-access perimeter around MSG and Penn Station, smack in the middle of one of the busiest corporate and commuting centers in the nation.

Video which appeared to be taken about two hours before gametime seemed to show ticket holders backed up for blocks on end.

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Accredited press that is typically allowed to access the locker rooms and backend facilities at the Garden to interview players and coaches have reportedly been barred from conducting interviews ahead of tip-off.

New Yorkers, fans, and sports commentators throughout the city and league have made their displeasure known.

“If it causes the Knicks to lose tonight, I’m blaming him. I’m blaming the president of the U.S.,” sportscaster Stephen A. Smith said on Monday. “Damnit, I hope the GOP loses votes because of it if we lose tonight.”