Trump Booed Offstage: National Anthem Drowned in Jeers at NBA Finals

President Donald Trump was met with a cacophony of boos Monday night at Madison Square Garden as he watched the Knicks battle the Spurs in game three of the NBA Finals.

The crowd erupted when Trump appeared on the jumbotron during the national anthem, drowning out the performance by Broadway singer Avery Wilson.

Trump, smirking from a private box, saluted while the jeers intensified, threatening to overshadow the anthem.

Fans at various watch parties across New York City joined in the derision, with recorded jeers echoing from Bryant Park and a Brooklyn bar.

Heavy security measures were in place due to Trump's presence, angering New Yorkers who anticipated a festive atmosphere for the Knicks' first Finals appearance in over two decades.

Hours before tip-off, fans faced extensive security checks, a no-bag policy, and barricades that restricted access to the arena and surrounding areas.

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch stated that the decision to cancel watch parties outside the Garden was made in coordination with the Secret Service due to the presidential visit.

As a result of the security protocols, the arena was reportedly half-empty just an hour before the game commenced.

Brooklyn resident Errol Ismail expressed frustration, stating, "I wish he wasn't here. He's not a real fan, and he's just making things awful."

Trump's history with the Knicks includes sporadic appearances during his time living in New York, but he lacks the superfan status of regulars like director Spike Lee or actor Timothée Chalamet.

Knicks owner James Dolan, a supporter of Trump's campaigns, extended the invitation for him to attend the Finals.

Trump is the first sitting president to attend an NBA Finals game, intertwining politics with sports in a move that could be seen as strategic by Dolan.

Dolan's company stands to gain from a multi-billion-dollar renovation of nearby Penn Station, which could impact the Garden's future.

While Dolan welcomed Trump, other New York leaders voiced their discontent.

Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, threatened to deploy ICE agents in response to a state immigration package limiting local police cooperation with federal deportation efforts.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned Homan's threat, asserting that fear would not be tolerated in their communities.

Mamdani emphasized solidarity with immigrant neighbors as thousands flocked to New York for the Finals and World Cup events.

The crowd was not devoid of celebrity presence; notable figures like Spike Lee, Timothée Chalamet, Derek Jeter, Tracy Morgan, and Jon Stewart were spotted in attendance.

Trump is set to appear at another major event this week—a UFC fight on the White House lawn celebrating his birthday and America's 250th anniversary.