President Donald Trump confronted obvious boos from the group of passionate Knicks followers at Madison Sq. Backyard on Monday.
He was seen standing in a field throughout the Nationwide Anthem subsequent to New York Knicks proprietor James Dolan at Recreation 3 of the NBA Finals.
Trump, who has sat courtside at many Knicks video games earlier than being elected president, stated he was personally invited by Dolan, who’s a longtime good friend of the president.
United States President Donald Trump and his grandchildren Kai Madison Trump attend the Nationwide Basketball Affiliation (NBA) finals sport between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on the Madison Sq. Backyard in New York, United States on June 8, 2026.
Anadolu by way of Getty Pictures
Trump and New York Metropolis Mayor Zohran Mamdani are each attending the sport and cheering on the Knicks as they search one other win within the best-of-seven collection.
“They’re actually nice, a terrific workforce. I am joyful for Jim as a result of Jim has actually been preventing laborious to provide such a workforce,” Trump instructed reporters final week.
Trump was seen inside his field alongside his granddaughter, Kai Trump, Particular Envoy to the Center East Steve Witkoff, White Home Deputy Chief of Employees Dan Scavino, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Jared Kushner, amongst others.
On this March 15, 2005, file picture ,Donald Trump and his spouse Melania Trump sit courtside throughout the Miami Warmth and New York Knicks NBA sport at Madison Sq. Backyard in New York. | On this picture posted to his Bluesky account on June 5, 2026, Mayor Zohran Mamdani exits the subway station close to Madison Sq. Backyard in New York.
Ray Amati/Getty Pictures | Mayor Zohran Mamdani/Bluesky
When requested about attending the extremely anticipated sport, Mamdani stated, “I am paying for my very own ticket,” in an interview with radio station 1010 Wins on Friday.
Trump and Mamdani have had private conferences on the White Home ever for the reason that Democratic Socialist gained the 2025 mayoral election.
New York Knicks followers rejoice the workforce’s win in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs in Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals outdoors of Madison Sq. Backyard, on June 5, 2026, in New York.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Pictures
Nevertheless, Mamdani indicated on Thursday that he might be “in a really completely different part of the stadium” than the president throughout the sport. He has dodged a number of questions on whether or not he’ll meet with Trump throughout his journey to New York.
“If I do see him, I’ll let him know what I’ve stated repeatedly, which is we’re excited to welcome anybody and everybody who’s rooting for the Knicks,” Mamdani instructed 1010 Wins Friday.
The mayor had beforehand watched the Knicks beat the Cleveland Cavaliers in Recreation 2 of the Japanese Convention finals on Might 21 and was seated high up within the cheaper seats together with metropolis public advocate Jumaane Williams.
Their attendance was unannounced earlier than the sport.
New York Knicks followers cheer throughout the watch celebration at Madison Sq. Backyard for Recreation 2 of the NBA Finals in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs, on June 5, 2026, in New York.
Angelina Katsanis/Getty Pictures
Mamdani indicated that when once more he wouldn’t be in the very best seats within the Backyard for Monday’s matchup.
“I can let you know that I gained’t be courtside or in a set, however I can’t wait to see the sport,” he instructed the radio station.
Mamdani has been vocally crucial of the Trump administration’s coverage on immigration, authorities cuts and threats to chop funding to Democratic run states and cities.
In the course of the election, Trump vocally decried Mamdani, calling him a “communist” and warning that New York could be in a worse place underneath his management.
The president’s tone modified on Nov. 21, when Mamdani met with Trump within the Oval Workplace and so they emerged with a way more amicable relationship.
“I feel this mayor may do some issues which might be going to be actually nice,” Trump stated in a information convention after the assembly, the place he smiled, shook Mamdani’s hand and even patted him on the again.
On this Nov. 21, 2025, file picture, President Donald Trump meets with New York Metropolis Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani within the Oval Workplace of the White Home, in Washington, D.C.
Andrew Harnik/Getty Pictures, FILE
The mayor and president met one other time within the winter and Mamdani has stated he has spoken to Trump on the cellphone quite a few occasions about issues to the town.
Mamdani has maintained his opposition to lots of the president’s insurance policies however has maintained he’s open to working with him to assist New Yorkers, particularly on the subject of driving down housing prices.
