President Donald Trump was met with loud boos from sections of the crowd at **Madison Square Garden** when he appeared on the arena’s jumbotron during the national anthem before **Game 3 of the NBA Finals**, becoming the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game.
Trump attended the game as a guest of **New York Knicks owner James Dolan**, watching from the owner’s suite alongside members of his family, senior White House advisers, and Cabinet officials. His appearance prompted heightened security measures throughout Midtown Manhattan, leading to tighter screening procedures for fans and the cancellation of the traditional outdoor watch party near the arena.
As Grammy-nominated singer **Avery Wilson** performed *The Star-Spangled Banner*, the arena cameras briefly focused on Trump, who stood saluting during the anthem. The crowd immediately responded with a wave of boos that echoed throughout Madison Square Garden. Moments later, the jumbotron switched to images of the American flag and Knicks players, prompting cheers from fans as attention shifted back to the game.
The reaction quickly became one of the night’s most talked-about moments, with videos circulating widely across social media and drawing national attention beyond the basketball game itself. While many fans appeared to boo the president, others cheered or chanted “U.S.A.,” reflecting the politically mixed atmosphere inside the sold-out arena.
Following the game, Trump dismissed suggestions that he had received a hostile reception, telling reporters he believed the response was **”mostly cheers”** despite widely circulated videos capturing audible boos during his appearance on the jumbotron.
