Donald Trump booed at NBA Finals as Knicks fans chant ‘f*** Trump’
Donald Trump was met with a hostile reception at Madison Square Garden as New York Knicks fans booed, jeered and chanted expletives at the president during Game 3 of the NBA Finals.
US President Donald Trump waves to fans as he arrives at Madison Square Garden ahead of NBA Finals game 3 between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs in New York, on June 8, 2026. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU / AFP via Getty Images)(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
Donald Trump was met with a humiliating reception as spectators relentlessly booed him upon his arrival at Game 3 of the NBA Finals on Monday evening at New York City’s famed Madison Square Garden.
The president faced a torrent of animosity as the crowd jeered his motorcade. Numerous bystanders held up signs expressing their contempt for the president, with at least two individuals making obscene hand gestures towards him, while another gave him a thumbs down.
“Put them gas prices down!” one fan can be heard shouting before hurling an expletive at Trump. “F— Trump, but we came here for the Knicks!” another can be heard exclaiming. The crowd around them can be heard chanting, “F— Trump, go Knicks!”
According to Jeff Mordock, a Washington Times reporter in Trump’s press pool, one sign read, “Nobody wants you here.” Another stated, “Trump must go.” Yet another proclaimed, “Impeach. Convict. Remove.”
Security arrangements ahead of Trump’s attendance at the legendary Manhattan venue, home to the New York Knickerbockers – more commonly known as the Knicks – had already left basketball fans and New Yorkers feeling apprehensive.
Secret Service agents were spotted screening fans as they made their way into the stadium. Earlier in the day, it had been announced that spectators would be banned from bringing bags into the arena, even those meeting its usual criteria, due to the president’s planned appearance. Beyond the venue, officials were witnessed guiding crowds into sectioned-off lines, which extended significantly before the opening tip-off. Film showed supporters queuing for more than an hour to enter, where they were then confronted with enhanced security protocols from the Secret Service.
Footage taken from the adjacent waterfront showed large military helicopters stationed on platforms near the coastline, with smaller craft hovering overhead, searching for possible dangers.
Trump announced he would attend Game 3 of the Finals, which sees the Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs in their first home fixture of the best-of-seven series.
After securing triumph in the initial two matches, the Knicks need just two additional wins to be crowned NBA champions for the first time since 1973.
The Spurs, meanwhile, must secure four victories to claim the franchise’s sixth NBA title since 1999, the year both sides last faced each other in the Finals.
