Donald Trump received a loud chorus of boos at Madison Square Garden in New York on Monday night when he appeared on the arena's video screens during the national anthem ahead of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs. Holding a salute and smiling as the jeers rang out, Trump was visible on the jumbotron for roughly eight seconds before the camera cut to Knicks players — and the boos promptly turned to cheers. The Knicks went on to lose 115–111, and later in the evening Trump appeared to fall asleep in the owner's box.

Trump attended as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, watching from the owner's suite above centre court alongside his granddaughter Kai, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, and special envoy Steve Witkoff. His presence made him the first sitting US president to attend an NBA Finals game — a milestone that came with significant logistical consequences for fans. The Secret Service and the New York Police Department established a multi-block security perimeter around the arena, requiring ticketholders to pass through airport-style magnetometers and arrive at least two hours before tip-off. A strict no-bag policy was enforced, several surrounding blocks were sealed off from 4pm, and the popular outdoor watch party outside Madison Square Garden — which had drawn thousands during earlier playoff games — was cancelled and relocated to Bryant Park and Central Park's Wollman Rink.

The disruption drew sharp frustration from fans who felt the presidential visit had overshadowed what was already a historic night for New York basketball. The Knicks are appearing in their first Finals since 1999, having won 13 consecutive games to reach this stage, and are chasing their first NBA championship since 1973.