President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York. The match featured the New York Knicks against the San Antonio Spurs.
As the national anthem played, Trump appeared on the arena’s big screen. A mixed crowd reaction followed. Some attendees cheered, but boos were more prominent. Trump acknowledged the audience with a salute. The camera then shifted to NYPD officers holding flags on the court.
Trump was photographed watching the game with his granddaughter, Kai Trump, and Knicks owner James Dolan in his suite.
This reception was different from an earlier event at the College Football National Championship. There, Trump was welcomed with loud cheers. He was also shown on the Jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium, surrounded by his grandchildren, and received enthusiastic applause.
The visit to New York required extensive security measures. Temporary fences surrounded Madison Square Garden. Secret Service, TSA, and local law enforcement increased their presence, resulting in longer entry wait times. The NYPD closed vehicle and pedestrian access from West 30th Street to West 35th Street between Sixth and Eighth Avenues in the afternoon.
Security concerns led to canceled watch parties near the area. NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch explained during a news conference that presidential visits typically mean area lockdowns. Watch parties were expected to resume for Game 4 of the series.
MSG contested NYPD’s explanation, stating the permit for the watch parties was denied by city officials, not due to Trump’s presence.
Throughout his second term, Trump has attended several major sports events, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans, the Daytona 500, and the Ryder Cup.