Trump Receives Loud Boos at NBA Finals Game 3 in New York

President Donald Trump's appearance at the 2026 NBA Finals drew significant controversy at Madison Square Garden on Monday, June 8.

The 79-year-old attended Game 3 of the championship matchup between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs, watching from a private suite alongside his 19-year-old granddaughter Kai Trump.

R&B artist and Broadway performer Avery Wilson, who is Grammy-nominated, performed the National Anthem before the game got underway. When Trump's image appeared on the arena's jumbotron during the performance, spectators erupted in loud boos, with footage of the moment circulating on social media.

The reception extended beyond the arena itself. As Trump's motorcade made its way to Madison Square Garden earlier in the evening, fans outside the venue loudly booed his arrival and displayed signs with messages including "GO KNICKS, F–K TRUMP" and "See You in Hell, Trump."

The high-profile visit had operational consequences for the evening's events. The watch party that had been scheduled to take place outside Madison Square Garden was canceled in connection with Trump's attendance, with Secret Service personnel citing security-related reasons for the decision.

Multiple attendees at the arena documented the crowd's reaction on social media, sharing videos of the booing that occurred during the national anthem performance.