Trump booed at Madison Square Garden during NBA Finals

Donald Trump, the former U.S. president, faced a chorus of boos from the crowd at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026. The jeers erupted when a large screen announced his presence during Game 3 of the NBA Finals, pitting the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs.

Trump attended the game as a guest of James Dolan, owner of the Knicks. His appearance marked a notable moment, as he became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game, according to EFE. Cameras captured Trump smiling during the national anthem, but the boos from the audience were significantly louder than the applause from a small minority of fans.

Adding to the spectacle, some media outlets reported that Trump appeared drowsy, even falling asleep, in his suite. The event also necessitated heightened security measures in New York City. Typical fan viewing parties outside the arena were canceled, and attendees were instructed to arrive three hours early and forgo backpacks due to airport-like security checks.

Since returning to power in 2025, Trump has made a point of attending various sporting events, a departure from the norm for U.S. presidents. He recently attended the U.S. Open tennis final and the Ryder Cup golf tournament. His presence at the NBA Finals continues this trend of engaging with high-profile sporting occasions.