Donald Trump booed during national anthem at NBA Finals Game 3
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 2:15 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
During Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026, Donald Trump was booed by fans while appearing on arena screens during the national anthem. As chants of 'U-S-A! U-S-A!' turned to jeers, Trump was saluting the flag. This appearance marks him as the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, invited by Knicks owner James Dolan. Security was heightened around the arena, leading to inconveniences for fans, including canceled watch parties and restricted bag policies. The Knicks, currently leading the series against the San Antonio Spurs, look to advance further after winning the first two games.
- •Trump booed during anthem at NBA Finals on June 8, 2026.
- •Chants turned to boos as he saluted on arena screens.
- •He is the first sitting president at an NBA Finals game.
- •Knicks lead the series against the Spurs, aiming for their first title since 1973.
- •Heightened security caused significant delays for fans entering the arena.
- 2:15 AMYahoo Sports — Donald Trump booed by the crowd during the anthem prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals
- 2:10 AMYahoo Sports — Boos and jeers for Trump at NBA Finals in New York
"US President Donald Trump on Monday was booed by spectators at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in his hometown of New York. Boos and jeers erupted when the arena screens briefly showed the president's face as he saluted during the national anthem before the start of the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
"Chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” echoed through the arena as Avery Wilson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but they they gave way to boos moments later as Trump was displayed on the jumbo screens giving a military salute.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 2:15 AMDonald Trump booed by the crowd during the anthem prior to Game 3 of the NBA Finals
Chants of “U-S-A! U-S-A!” echoed through the arena as Avery Wilson sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but they they gave way to boos moments later as Trump was displayed on the jumbo screens giving a military salute.
- Yahoo SportsJun 9, 2026, 2:10 AMBoos and jeers for Trump at NBA Finals in New York
US President Donald Trump on Monday was booed by spectators at Game 3 of the NBA Finals in his hometown of New York. Boos and jeers erupted when the arena screens briefly showed the president's face as he saluted during the national anthem before the start of the game between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
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