Cardi B blamed President Donald Trump for bringing bad energy to the New York Knicks’ Game 3 loss in the 2026 NBA Finals, saying his presence at Madison Square Garden felt “dark” and made the atmosphere tense. The Bronx-born rapper made the remarks during an Instagram Live session after the June 8 game, where the Knicks fell 115-111 to the San Antonio Spurs.
Trump attended the game to support the Knicks, who share a hometown connection with Cardi B. During her livestream, she responded to a comment asking whether Trump was “bad luck” for the team, which had been on a winning streak earlier in the series. She did not reject the idea outright, saying it “probably was,” though she added that fans cannot stop the president from attending a game. Still, she said the overall energy in the arena felt off, comparing it to a school principal unexpectedly showing up in class and forcing everyone to be on their best behavior.
Cardi B had performed at halftime during Game 3, bringing her own New York star power to the event. She performed her breakout hit “Bodak Yellow” while wearing a gray corset and leggings and was joined by Knicks dancers. She also watched the game courtside with her son, Wave, who she said enjoyed the outing. According to her comments, the 4-year-old was so engaged by the experience that he did not once ask to use her phone, which she said was unusual.
Despite the loss, Cardi B said she remained optimistic about the Knicks’ chances in the series. She said she was still proud of the team and encouraged fans to join her Instagram Live before Game 4 on June 10 for a “prayer circle” in support of the Knicks.
The Knicks entered the matchup leading the series 2-1, keeping their title hopes alive despite the defeat. Cardi B’s comments added a celebrity layer to the drama surrounding the Finals, which drew a strong crowd of entertainers and public figures to Madison Square Garden. Her remarks also underscored her long-running criticism of Trump, turning the basketball game into another flashpoint in their public divide.
The incident highlighted how sports, politics, and celebrity culture continue to overlap at major live events, especially in New York. While Cardi B framed her comments in a lighthearted way, she clearly suggested that Trump’s appearance changed the mood inside the arena and may have affected the Knicks’ performance.
