President Donald Trump was still just a businessman the last time the New York Knicks made it the NBA Finals. For Madison Square Garden's biggest event in 27 years, he will be there.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, President Trump will be attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs. New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is also reportedly going to be attending. To that end, Madison Square Garden has begun doing security walkthroughs in preparation for his visit.
"Post Exclusive: Donald Trump plans to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals. MSG performed security walkthroughs in preparation for his potential visit, per sources. Mamdani is also expected to be there," Bondy wrote on X.
"Read the Room"
Knicks fans quickly got angry at the news, declaring that the President is going to ruin the vibe of their big night by being a distraction in and around the venue. Others are just mad because his presence means that there's going to be even more security.
"Read the room. They’re trying to win a championship, the extra distraction is not needed," one fan wrote on X.
"What a nightmare this will be for fans. Gotta plan to arrive 4 hours early," wrote another.
"I'm sure the fans will appreciate the security perimeter that prevents them from going anywhere near the Garden during finals," a third mocked.
"This is a bad idea regardless of politics. His security presence will absolutely disrupt the experience of fans who paid ridiculous sums of money for their seats!"
"What a way to take this experience away from the fans."
"Hope the boos are deafening."
LUDOVIC MARIN/Getty Images
His presence really shouldn't be much of a surprise. On top of his decades of passion for New York sports, President Trump has been friends with Knicks owner James Dolan for decades.
President Trump also has a fondness for firsts. By attending the NBA Finals, he will become the first President in history to attend a game as sitting President. Former U.S. President Barack Obama attended Game 2 of the 2019 NBA Finals after he had already left office.
Will President Trump's appearance affect the action on the court though?
