Knicks Fans Boo Trump As Bryant Park Watch Party Erupts During NBA Finals Anthem

A video filmed by X user Josh Berman shows a large crowd at an outdoor NBA Finals watch party in Bryant Park loudly booing and making gestures, including middle fingers, when President Donald Trump appeared on a big screen during the national anthem.

The original post caption reads: “National anthem when Trump was shown”

The footage shows hundreds of people gathered on a grassy lawn in a downtown park at dusk, surrounded by tall skyscrapers. Many in the crowd are sitting or standing in sports jerseys while reacting directly toward the screen with raised middle fingers and other gestures. A large video display shows bright visuals, with the New York skyline and modern towers visible behind trees and buildings. The reaction spreads across sections of the audience as the moment unfolds.

Knicks fans watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Bryant Park booed President Donald Trump when he appeared on the jumbotron during the national anthem on Monday night, June 8, 2026. The outdoor gathering was one of several watch parties organized across New York City after security concerns linked to Trump’s attendance at Madison Square Garden led to adjustments in public viewing arrangements.

Inside Madison Square Garden, Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. He watched from a suite alongside Knicks owner James Dolan during the national anthem. When the camera showed him saluting, loud boos erupted from the crowd, briefly overtaking chants of “USA! USA!” The boos stopped when the U.S. flag appeared on the screens.

At Bryant Park, similar reactions followed as thousands gathered to watch the Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs. Parts of the crowd again booed and made gestures when Trump appeared during the anthem, reflecting strong public reaction during the playoff atmosphere in New York.

The Knicks-Spurs series continued with heightened security and intense fan energy across Madison Square Garden and public viewing areas throughout Manhattan.