President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, which was packed with fans for the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs. As the national anthem played, Trump’s image appeared on the arena’s big screen, leading to a mixed response from the crowd. Although some cheered, the boos were noticeably louder as Trump saluted from his suite. The camera then switched to focus on NYPD officers on the court holding flags.
Trump’s granddaughter, Kai Trump, accompanied him and stood to his right with her hand over her heart. Knicks owner James Dolan sat to his left. The New York crowd’s reaction differed considerably from Trump’s earlier appearance this year at the College Football National Championship in Florida, where he was warmly received during the national anthem.
In anticipation of Trump’s visit, security measures were heightened in New York City. A security fence was erected around Madison Square Garden and enhanced by the Secret Service and additional law enforcement, leading to longer waits for entry. The NYPD announced traffic closures from West 30th to West 35th Streets between Sixth and Eighth Avenues. Watch parties were canceled in the area, attributed to security demands related to Trump’s presence.
Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained, “The NYPD in coordination with the Secret Service decided for Game 3, with a presidential visit, that we could not support watch parties outside the Garden. We aim to resume watch parties for Game 4, but understand that presidential visits typically involve extensive security measures.”
However, Madison Square Garden refuted the NYPD’s reason for the watch party cancellations, suggesting local city officials denied the permit, not Trump’s attendance. Since starting his second term, Trump has frequented multiple major sporting events, including the Super Bowl and the Daytona 500.
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