Donald Trump Booed During National Anthem at NBA Finals Game 3 at Madison Square Garden
President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals on Monday night, June 8, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, where the New York Knicks faced the San Antonio Spurs. His appearance drew immediate backlash from the crowd, with loud boos heard both before the game and during the national anthem performance by Grammy-nominated R&B singer and Broadway actor Avery Wilson. A video of Trump appeared on the arena jumbotron during the anthem, prompting a strong negative reaction from fans inside the venue.
Trump was seated in a private suite alongside his 19-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump. Social media videos shared by attendees captured the crowd’s reaction, including more booing as Trump’s motorcade arrived at Madison Square Garden earlier in the evening. Some fans outside the arena held up signs criticizing the former president, including messages that read, “GO KNICKS, F–K TRUMP” and “See You in Hell, Trump.”
Because of Trump’s attendance, a planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden was canceled. A Secret Service agent reportedly explained that security concerns played a role in the decision. The appearance added another politically charged moment to an already high-profile championship game, drawing widespread attention beyond the basketball matchup itself.
The scene at Madison Square Garden reflected the polarized response Trump continues to face at public events, particularly in New York City. While the Finals were the main attraction, the president’s presence became a major storyline before the opening tipoff. The combination of heavy security, protest signs, and loud crowd reaction turned Game 3 into a flashpoint well beyond the court.
Trump’s attendance at the Finals also underscored the growing intersection of politics, sports, and live entertainment, with the arena crowd making its feelings clear throughout the evening. Videos shared online showed the boos reverberating through the venue as Trump appeared on the screen, while others documented the reaction from fans outside the arena.
The Knicks-Spurs matchup continued as scheduled, but the focus briefly shifted to the political spectacle surrounding the president’s visit. With boos from inside the arena and protests outside, Trump’s presence dominated pregame discussion and became one of the most talked-about moments of the night.
