Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) criticized President Donald Trump on Monday for attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, saying the president’s visit forced heightened security that left fans in long lines outside the arena.
Schumer Blames Trump For Fan Delays
“All because Donald Trump wanted to make it about himself. I trust New Yorkers will let him hear how they feel about that,” Schumer wrote on X. He shared a photo of crowded lines outside the arena that sports business reporter and entrepreneur Darren Rovell had posted.
Agence France-Presse reported on Monday that Madison Square Garden went into a virtual lockdown as police set up a tight security cordon around the venue, where Trump planned to watch the New York Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs. Authorities barred fans without tickets from coming within several blocks and canceled watch parties outside the arena.
Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30 p.m. local time tipoff to clear airport-style screening.
New York Democrats Slam Arena Lockdown
Earlier Monday, Schumer told Trump on X to “leave us alone,” saying “he’s not wanted here,” after organizers canceled an outdoor fan watch party during the Knicks’ rare deep playoff run.
NBC News reported that several administration officials joined Trump in the box, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino and Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and special envoy. Kai Trump, the president’s granddaughter, also attended.
Other New York Democrats criticized the visit. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) predicted in a CNN interview last week that Trump would “ruin a good thing.” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) said Sunday on Instagram Live, “It already has been a vibe killer,” citing the canceled watch parties.
White House Defends Trump’s Finals Visit
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who also attended, said he paid about $1,000 for a standing-room ticket and had no scheduled meeting with Trump.
White House spokesperson Olivia Wales defended the visit on behalf of the President, telling TIME that “Sports are at the forefront of American culture, and President Trump loves them as the people’s president,” adding, “As a lifelong fan, President Trump looks forward to watching the Knicks compete to bring home their first NBA championship in more than 50 years at Madison Square Garden tonight.”
The Knicks entered Game 3 leading the Spurs 2-0. The game marked the first NBA Finals contest at Madison Square Garden since 1999. At the time of publishing, the San Antonio Spurs led the Knicks 92-91 at the end of the Third Quarter.
Photo courtesy: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock.com
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