President Donald Trump brought Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin, White House deputy chief of staff Dan Scavino, and several others along to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals in the presidential suite.
The identity of Trump’s retinue was kept under close guard right up until the group arrived at Madison Square Garden on Monday night. Also in tow was Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, diplomats Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, attorney Boris Epshteyn, aide Natalie Harp, and Director of White House Oval Office Operations Walt Nauta.
Speaking right before the game, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver noted that Trump was long a “fixture” at Madison Square Garden and that he is a “genuine Knicks fan.”
Knicks owner James Dolan is known to be close with Trump, donating to his campaign and allowing him to use Madison Square Garden for a campaign rally ahead of the 2024 election.
Security was tight in preparation for the president’s arrival, with the New York City Police Department shutting down 15 blocks surrounding the arena to vehicular and pedestrian traffic at 4 p.m., nearly three hours ahead of the president’s arrival.
“Sports are at the forefront of American culture, and President Trump loves them as the people’s president,” White House spokeswoman Olivia Wales told the Washington Examiner earlier on Monday. “As a lifelong fan, the president looks forward to watching the Knicks compete to bring home their first NBA championship in more than 50 years at Madison Square Garden tonight.”
TRUMP BRINGING AN ENTOURAGE AND SECURITY DISRUPTIONS TO GAME 3 OF KNICKS-SPURS
A White House official additionally told the Washington Examiner that the administration “appreciates the Secret Service and NYPD’s efforts in ensuring this historic game not only is safe, but a pleasurable experience for all attendees.”
There was no shortage of hecklers along the motorcade’s long route to the stadium in the famously deep-blue city. The Knicks are looking to win their first NBA championship since 1973.
