Knicks Fans Urged To Ignore President Trump At NBA Finals

With the team in the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, New York Knicks fans are hoping to keep the vibes immaculate starting next week. But with President Donald Trump expressing interest in attending at Madison Square Garden, some fans are getting nervous that his presence will be a distraction.

On the latest episode of Pablo Torre Finds Out, Tim Miller made the case that President Trump could "ruin the vibes" by showing up and have people directing their boos and frustration at him rather than the action on the court.

"They should be focusing their anger on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and how he's pretending to fall. That's where all of their focus should be," Miller said.

But Miller's argument didn't seem to hold much weight on the show, let alone with the fans. He's largely been dismissed by people pointing out that Knicks fans can simply multi-task - booing Trump when they see him and booing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or Victor Wembanyama when they make a bad play at Madison Square Garden.

"These are both bad takes New Yorkers feed off of negativity..." one user remarked.

"They can multi task… boo the (expletive) outta him…" wrote another.

"Trump will kill the vibes..." a third wrote.

Trump at the Garden

The bigger concern that might "ruin the vibes" would probably be more outside the venue than inside. If President Trump does attend there will be increased security and Secret Service at the venue, which would probably make things a lot less carefree than the venue tends to get (especially if the Knicks are playing great basketball).

Nevertheless, President Trump has been a longtime Knicks fan and seemingly has New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani's seal of approval to support the team however he pleases. He's a longtime friend of Knicks owner James Dolan, so he could probably get courtside seats if he wants to.

More likely though, the President would be observing from a luxury box since courtside seats would open him up to a lot more risk.

The Knicks won't host a game in the NBA Finals until Game 3 on Monday, June 8.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 11:01 AM.