New York, N.Y. — A raucous crowd greeted President Donald Trump with boos at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026, as he attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals, where the New York Knicks faced off against the San Antonio Spurs. This was a historic moment, marking the first time a sitting president attended an NBA Finals, but it was overshadowed by criticism of his conduct during the national anthem.
Arriving with a group that included his 19-year-old granddaughter, Kai Trump, and several cabinet members, the president’s entrance was marred by extensive security measures that caused delays for many fans outside the iconic venue. Once inside, Trump faced a chilly reception from the New York crowd, a stark contrast to the energetic atmosphere typically found at such events.
As Broadway star Avery Wilson began singing “The Star-Spangled Banner,” Trump appeared on the venue’s massive Jumbotron. Almost instantly, the audience let him know their disapproval, drowning his image in a chorus of jeers. While nearby attendees placed their hands over their hearts, Trump stood immobilized for much of the anthem. After several awkward moments, he finally lifted his hand in a salute, a gesture that drew further scorn from the crowd.
The national anthem is steeped in tradition, and federal law outlines the proper etiquette during its performance. Individuals in uniform are expected to salute at the anthem’s first note, while other attendees are required to stand at attention and cover their hearts. Although there are no penalties for disregarding these regulations, the visuals weigh heavily for a president whose political image has emphasized patriotism.
Trump, who has never served in the military and received multiple deferments during the Vietnam War era, has previously promoted himself as a steadfast supporter of national pride and military decorum. His past actions, including saluting during other high-profile events, have only amplified scrutiny regarding his awareness of the national protocol.
This latest incident is part of a pattern for Trump, who faced a mixed reception at a New York Yankees game in September 2025. During a high-stakes college football championship in 2018, he also struggled with the lyrics to the anthem, drawing a similarly divided response from the audience. His evolving relationship with the national anthem has prompted comparisons with previous presidents, including Barack Obama, who once explained his own lapses in protocol amid a political campaign.
After the game, Trump downplayed the negative reaction, insisting that the crowd’s enthusiasm felt more positive than the boos suggested. “I thought it was amazing, actually. It was, I think, mostly cheers. It was loud, and it was very enthusiastic,” he stated, reflecting a disconnect between his perception and public sentiment.
Adding to the spectacle, Kai Trump later shared a video on social media that appeared to alter the original audio, masking the booing with cheers. The app used to create the clip was reported to tweak sound to highlight moments—an ironic twist on an already tumultuous night.
As discussions linger about the proper respect for national symbols and the implications of intended versus received sentiment, one question remains: Will those close to Trump seize the opportunity to educate him on the nuances between military salutes and placing one’s hand over the heart before his next outing at a sports event?