President Donald Trump was booed on Monday night by some of the spectators at Madison Square Garden, before the third game of the NBA finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs.
During the singing of the US national anthem, Trump’s image was displayed on the arena’s giant screen. Some of the spectators immediately reacted with boos, while others applauded, but the disapproving noise quickly drowned out the rest of the reactions.
Trump, originally from New York and invited to the game by Knicks owner James Dolan, watched the match from a specially arranged and bulletproof glass-protected suite.
Accompanying him were members of his administration, including Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and his niece, Kai Trump.
The president's visit was accompanied by exceptional security measures. Traffic restrictions were put in place around the arena, and spectators underwent airport-style security checks. The huge lines at the entrance caused dissatisfaction among fans, and several public viewing parties organized for the game were canceled.
According to Reuters, boos were even heard outside the arena when Trump's official motorcade arrived at Madison Square Garden.
However, Trump's presence at the game remained historic. He is the first sitting US president to attend an NBA finals game. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated before the game that the White House leader is "a genuine Knicks fan" and is welcome at league events.
Among the audience were also numerous celebrities, including Spike Lee, Ben Stiller, Timothée Chalamet, and Derek Jeter.