Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) didn't hold back on Monday, criticizing President Donald Trump for turning Game 3 of the NBA Finals into a security nightmare. Trump's decision to attend the game at Madison Square Garden forced a virtual lockdown, leaving fans stuck in long lines outside the arena.
"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, sharing a photo of the crowded lines posted by sports business reporter Darren Rovell.
The security measures were intense. According to Agence France-Presse, police set up a tight cordon around the venue, barring fans without tickets from coming within several blocks and canceling outdoor watch parties. Officials urged ticket holders to arrive at least two hours before the 8:30 p.m. 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.
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 piled on. 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, telling TIME that "Sports are at the forefront of American culture, and President Trump loves them as the people's president." She added, "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.
