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President Donald Trump became the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game Monday night in New York.
A New York native, Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals between his hometown Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs, sitting in a suite with members of his family, Knicks owner James Dolan, Bruce Blakeman and others, while NBA Commissioner Adam Silver joined him later.
Trump criticized the NBA for being “highly political” in 2020. NBA players were given the option to wear social justice messages on their jerseys and numerous players knelt for the national anthem.
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President Donald Trump looks on before Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
“I hope football and baseball are watching and learning because the same thing will be happening to them. Defend our country and our flag!!!” Trump posted on X on September 1, 2020.
Pak Gazette Digital/OutKick asked Trump after the game if he felt the NBA had moved away from its “left-wing” tendencies. But it looks like Trump will put politics aside if it means seeing a good dance.
“It’s a little left-wing. I think, yes, it tends to be a little left-wing. But it’s great entertainment,” Trump said.
Trump also praised the NBA for becoming “tougher” in recent years, saying he didn’t remember such a tough defense 10 years ago.
President Donald Trump watches the start of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Samuel Corum/Getty Images)
SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TRANSFORM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINALS VISIT
Trump received a massive reaction at Madison Square Garden on Monday, largely in contrast to how he was received in Florida for the college football national championship.
Trump’s arrival in New York meant increased security throughout the city. A security fence was erected around MSG. The Secret Service and more law enforcement officials performed their duties at the highest level, which meant longer lines and wait times to enter the arena.
Viewing parties in the area were canceled, with the NYPD saying it was due to security for Trump’s visit.
President Donald Trump watches the first quarter of Game 3 between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)
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Trump has attended numerous sporting events since beginning his second term, including the Super Bowl in New Orleans two seasons ago, the Daytona 500, the college football national championship, the US Open men’s tennis tournament and the Ryder Cup, among others.
