Donald Trump’s historic appearance at the New York Knicks’ Game 3 NBA Finals clash against the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden shook up New York on Monday, with Knicks fans forced to deal with the fallout of heightened security to ensure the president’s safety.
Trump was mercilessly booed from Knicks owner James Dolan’s suite during the pregame national anthem, with online frustrations mounting early on. The backlash persisted during the contest, with the president catching flak for appearing to fall asleep during the pivotal matchup.
Donald Trump Gets Torched for Taking ‘Nap’ During Spurs-Knicks Game 3
With Monday’s highly anticipated appearance, Trump became the first sitting president to attend a Finals game. The longtime Knicks fan’s arrival came with a price for New Yorkers, though.
The New York Police Department and the U.S. Secret Service established a large security perimeter around MSG, creating a hassle for Knicks fans, who were forced to line up outside the arena hours before tipoff and pass through multiple strict security checkpoints.
Given the ramifications of Trump’s Game 3 presence, the president didn’t receive any sympathy after appearing to fall asleep during the broadcast.
“DONALD TRUMP HAS FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE NBA FINALS IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN,” political commentator Joe Gallina exclaimed.
DONALD TRUMP HAS FALLEN ASLEEP AT THE NBA FINALS IN MADISON SQUARE GARDEN. pic.twitter.com/rFrW6c4cME
— CALL TO ACTIVISM (@CalltoActivism) June 9, 2026
“Trump takes a long blink during the NBA Finals,” MeidasTouch Network quipped.
Trump takes a long blink during the NBA Finals pic.twitter.com/uValJdTJWJ
— MeidasTouch (@MeidasTouch) June 9, 2026
“He shut down New York and screwed over Knicks fans just to nap in a new location,” political commentator and social media influencer Harry Sisson blasted Trump.
He shut down New York and screwed over Knicks fans just to nap in a new location https://t.co/WzOQubMx2I
— Harry Sisson (@harryjsisson) June 9, 2026
“OMG, after ALL THAT, Trump is sleeping at the Knicks game! Couldn’t he have saved everyone the trouble and ‘watch it on television?'” activist and author Amy Siskind questioned.
OMG, after ALL THAT, Trump is sleeping at the Knicks game! Couldn’t he have saved everyone the trouble and “watch it on television?” 😂🤣 pic.twitter.com/UyePMObEAg
— Amy Siskind 🏳️🌈🇺🇸 (@Amy_Siskind) June 9, 2026
“Whole city had to shut down so he could fall asleep 20 mins into the game,” NFL analyst Nate Geary wrote.
Whole city had to shut down so he could fall asleep 20 mins into the game https://t.co/oy7nAD0Fh9
— Nate Geary (@NateGearySports) June 9, 2026
“The most expensive taxpayer-funded nap,” The Lincoln Project captioned the viral moment.
The most expensive taxpayer funded nap #NBAFinals pic.twitter.com/ENzwGVOsqG
— The Lincoln Project (@ProjectLincoln) June 9, 2026
“Most predictable plot of all time,” The Guardian’s Claire de Lune remarked.
most predictable plot of all time https://t.co/AReEqVaZv7
— claire de lune (@ClaireMPLS) June 9, 2026
The Knicks entered Monday with a commanding 2-0 lead over the Spurs after stealing Games 1 and 2 in San Antonio, riding a franchise-record 13-game playoff winning streak that began in the first round.
Unfortunately for Trump, he witnessed the end of his hometown team’s victory run, as New York fell 115-111, with Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama erupting for a game-high 32 points.
