Trump’s attendance at the third Knicks-Spurs game activates greater security
Huge security preparations are underway for Game 3 of the NBA Finals in New York City due to Donald Trump’s expected attendance. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s visit. The NYPD and Secret Service have implemented a “freeze zone” around Madison Square Garden, resulting in warnings for fans and a no-bag policy. Former FBI agent James Gagliano discusses these heightened security measures following a recent stabbing at Penn Station.
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Madison Square Garden is not playing with President Donald Trump attending Game 3.
Security has been stepped up and is bothering some players as the arena prepares to welcome its highest-profile guest yet.
Even NBA commissioner Adam Silver has expressed his appreciation for Trump’s attendance, acknowledging that it’s a real ratings boost.
US President Donald Trump during the signing of an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, Wednesday, June 3, 2026. (Shawn Thew/EPA/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
Players like Spurs guard De’Aaron Fox and Knicks forward OG Anunoby don’t sound as excited.
SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD TRANSFORM MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO FORTRESS FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINALS VISIT
Fox shared before Game 3 in New York City that the increased security at MSG has become something of a nuisance.
“I think the president’s presence here makes it an inconvenience for everyone else,” Fox said Monday. “Obviously we have more security. We have to send things out early. I think our buses come a little earlier.”
“They’re screening us like it’s the TSA,” Fox added. “It’s a little uncomfortable for people who are going to play, but it is what it is.”
Fans attending Game 3 will also undergo additional security screening due to Trump’s appearance.
Meanwhile, as Trump celebrates his 80th birthday later this week, Anunoby was asked about the president’s long-awaited appearance in Game 3.
“He’s just going to be there watching the game. We’re going to go like we always do, play our game, try to win the game,” Anunoby said matter-of-factly.
Given how polarizing Trump remains, attention quickly turned to which NBA players might publicly support his attendance. Others have argued that the president’s presence should be treated as an honor.
Spurs phenom Victor Wembanyama also became a topic of discussion after standing with his arms crossed during the national anthem before Game 1. Trump, however, offered no criticism when asked about the moment.
San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and guard De’aaron Fox react after a foul during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA Finals against the New York Knicks in San Antonio on June 5, 2026. (Eric Gay/AP Photo)
“Wemby is a great player,” Trump said. “I say, ‘How do you protect this guy?'”
While Hart has not commented publicly on Trump’s attendance, Knicks guard Josh Hart is among the most outspoken players participating in the Finals. Hart posted a tweet about Trump in November 2020 that read, “YES SIR!!! GET DUMBA** TRUMP OUT OF THE WHITE HOUSE!!!!!”
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The Knicks enter Game 3 with a 2-0 series lead, and history is firmly on their side: Teams that take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals win the championship nearly 87% of the time.
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