Trump booed ‘thunderously’ at NBA Finals: What we know
US President Donald Trump was booed during his appearance at the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York. United States President Donald Trump
US President Donald Trump was booed during his appearance at the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York. United States President Donald Trump met with “thunderous” booing from fellow New York Knicks fans when he attended the Basketball Association (NBA) finals in New York’s Madison Square Garden on Monday, despite being the first sitting president ever to attend. Security was heightened for his visit, with authorities barring fans without tickets from coming within several blocks of the venue. Here’s what happened. What happened? Fans jeered the president, who was watching the game against the San Antonio Spurs from an executive suite when he appeared onscreen inside the arena during the singing of the national anthem. Seen on the Jumbotron – a giant screen – saluting the US flag during the national anthem, Trump received a chorus of boos but played down the reception after the game – a 115-111 Spurs win that cut the Knicks’ series lead to 2-1. The Athletic reported that Trump, 79, a native New Yorker, drew louder boos than the rivals, the Spurs. White House pool reporters said the president had been booed “thunderously”. NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Trump was very welcome to attend the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999, when the Knicks lost to the Spurs, adding that the president is a “genuine Knicks fan”. “What makes sports so special, especially when there’s so much that divides people, is that it’s something we have in common,” Silver told ESPN’s Inside the NBA before Game 3.
“We should look for those things we have in common and build off that.” ESPN reported, however, that fans made rude gestures towards Trump as his motorcade arrived at the venue, while others held up signs reading “Trump must go”. Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, last visited Madison Square Garden in November 2024 to watch an Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bout following his election victory. He earlier held a campaign rally at the venue. What security measures were taken before the game? Multiple checkpoints were set up for fans, the media and stadium workers to show their ticket or pass to gain entry. Police and Secret Service personnel covered every corner outside the arena. Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30pm (00:30 GMT, Tuesday) tip-off to clear airport-style security screening. Bags were not permitted inside. “Yes, there’s some inconvenience to the fans, but looking around at the arena, it’s packed,” Silver said at the game. “People listened, they came early, they got through the extra security, which is necessary.” The Secret Service deployed counter-drone technology as part of its operation to protect the US leader, who has faced three alleged assassination attempts in less than two years. “The Secret Service’s focus is straightforward: to ensure everyone attending the game can enjoy the game and have a safe experience, while we carry out our responsibility to protect the President of the United States,” Special Agent Matt McCool told reporters.
The BriefWire