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MSG crowd erupts in boos for Trump during Knicks Finals game
By
Phil Corso
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 8, 2026
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Al Bello/Getty Images
By
Phil Corso
and
Charles Lane
Published Jun 8, 2026
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The Madison Square Garden crowd greeted President Donald Trump with a roar of boos on Monday night when he appeared on the arena video boards during the national anthem before Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
Videos posted from inside the arena showed the rowdy reaction, which included some cheers but was dominated by boos, after Trump’s visit prompted an extensive security operation throughout Midtown Manhattan. The NYPD and Secret Service closed off several blocks around the arena earlier in the day, restricting pedestrian access and canceling a watch party previously planned for outside of the arena.
Similar boos could be heard at the city's official Knicks watch party in Bryant Park.
Hours before tipoff, hundreds of people lined West 34th Street hoping to catch a glimpse of Trump as his motorcade arrived at the arena. Some people held up signs or chanted obscenities while others snapped photos and jockeyed for a view of the president.
President Donald Trump waves to fans as he arrives at Madison Square Garden ahead of NBA Finals Game 3.
CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images
Among those gathered outside was Tanya Olsen, a California tourist who said she and her family paused their vacation plans to protest Trump's arrival at Madison Square Garden.
“I'm standing right here as long as it takes because I want to say what I want to say because it's my right to say what I want to say,” Olsen said.
The boos were immediately noticeable on broadcasts from inside the sold-out arena as fans watched the New York Knicks take on the San Antonio Spurs in the franchise’s first NBA Finals home game since 1999.
Trump’s appearance had been anticipated for several days, with fans, commuters and nearby business owners saying the heightened security had disrupted travel and activity around Midtown.
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Politics
manhattan
sports
Phil Corso
Phil Corso is the evening news editor at WNYC/Gothamist. Got a tip? Email [email protected].
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Charles Lane
Charles is a Day-of reporter focused on breaking news and enterprise. He’s very friendly and can be reached at [email protected], or more securely on whatsapp/signal 631-295-6715
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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