NBA Finals crowd at MSG gives Trump mixed reaction during national anthem

President Donald Trump got a big reaction from the sold-out crowd at Madison Square Garden for Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday night.

During the national anthem, Trump was shown on the MSG giant screen above the field, eliciting mixed reactions from the crowd.

Although there was some cheering as Trump greeted the crowd from his suite, boos from attendees rang louder before the video cut back to flag-holding NYPD officers on the field.

CLICK HERE TO GET MORE SPORTS NEWS ON FOXNEWS.COM

Trump was accompanied by his grandson Kai Trump, who was on his right with his hand over his heart. Knicks owner James Dolan was also in the suite with Trump to his left when he was shown.

This reception from fans in New York City was a far cry from this year’s other major sporting event, the College Football National Championship.

College football fans adored Trump’s moment on the Jumbotron at Hard Rock Stadium. Similarly, Trump was featured during the national anthem before the game. Surrounded by his grandchildren, Trump waved to the loudly cheering crowd.

SECRET SERVICE, TSA AND NYPD ARE TURNING MADISON SQUARE GARDEN INTO A HALL FOR TRUMP’S NBA FINALS VISIT

New York fans clearly did not share the same feelings as Florida fans.

Trump’s arrival in New York included increased security across the city. A security fence was erected around MSG, with the Secret Service and more law enforcement officers performing their duties to the highest standard, which meant longer lines and wait times to enter the arena.

President Donald Trump watches before Game Three of the 2026 NBA Finals between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

NYPD also announced the closure of vehicle and pedestrian traffic between Sixth Avenue and Eighth Avenue, from West 30th Street to West 35th Street, at 4 p.m.

Watch parties in the area were also canceled, with the NYPD claiming this was for security reasons for Trump’s visit.

“The NYPD, in coordination with the Secret Service, has determined that we will not be able to support watch parties just outside the Garden for Game 3, where we have the presidential visit,” Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said at a news conference. “We’re looking forward to bringing watch parties back for Game 4. But I think New Yorkers are used to presidents coming to town and they know that generally means quarantining areas, and that’s what you’ll see tonight at the Garden.”

President Donald Trump watches the first quarter of Game Three between the San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks during the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City on June 8, 2026. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

CLICK TO DOWNLOAD FOX NEWS APPLICATION

MSG disputed the NYPD’s stance, saying the permit was denied by local city officials rather than Trump’s presence.

Trump has attended numerous sporting events since he began his second term, including the Super Bowl, the Daytona 500 and the Ryder Cup in New Orleans two seasons ago.

Follow Fox News Digital Sports streaming on X and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.