Trump Claims NYC Loves Him After Knicks Booing
President Donald Trump reposted a video on Truth Social early Tuesday morning claiming “NYC loves” him, hours after he was loudly booed at Madison Square Garden during the Knicks’ game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. The video, shared after 2 a.m., showed his motorcade passing 34th Street in Midtown Manhattan with mixed reactions from onlookers, some cheering and others booing as he headed to the arena.
During the game, Trump was loudly booed by the crowd as he appeared on the Jumbotron during the national anthem, with the boos at points drowning out Broadway performer Avery Wilson’s rendition. Basketball fans at watch parties around the city, including Bryant Park, also jeered at Trump, and additional boos continued on 34th Street as his motorcade departed after the Knicks’ 115-111 loss to the Spurs.
When asked by reporters outside Air Force One about the reception, Trump claimed he thought it was “amazing” and that he heard “mostly cheers,” despite video evidence and eyewitness accounts contradicting his characterization. Online observers noted the intensity of the booing, with social media users commenting that the crowd’s disapproval was louder than typical fan reactions.
Trump attended with family, friends, and White House staff, including Interior Secretary Doug Burgess, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and Knicks owner James Dolan. His attendance required heightened security measures at the arena, including heavy screening, bag restrictions, and restricted access that prevented typical watch parties outside the venue and reduced foot traffic at surrounding sports bars.
New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized Trump’s attendance, stating he should have declined to allow others to enjoy the event without disruption. Trump also faced online mockery after reports he appeared to fall asleep during the game.(Source: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-knicks-boos-nba-finals-b2992425.html)