Hakeem Jeffries takes aim at Trump as he questions if president really is a Knicks fan

WASHINGTON, DC: House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries took aim at President Donald Trump's appearance at the NBA Finals, questioning whether the president is truly a New York Knicks fan or simply using the championship series as another political stage.

Trump, who said he loves to attend a Finals game at Madison Square Garden, has described himself as a longtime supporter of the Knicks.

Jeffries questions Trump's Knicks credentials

Speaking ahead of the Knicks' first NBA Finals home game in nearly three decades, Jeffries said fans should be focused on the historic moment rather than political headlines.

"I've had a few things to say about Donald Trump going to the next game," Jeffries said.

"At this point it's game day, and I think Knicks fans just want to enjoy Game 3, the first home game that we've had in 27 years."

The New York Democrat then challenged Trump's claim of being a devoted Knicks supporter.

"It also is not clear to me that Donald Trump is a big Knicks fan," Jeffries said. "Does this guy even know the difference between Karl Rove and Karl-Anthony Towns? I don't think so."

He went on to accuse the president of turning a major sporting event into a political spectacle.

"He's just injecting himself into the NBA Finals because he always has to bring the MAGA circus into town," Jeffries said.

Trump’s appearance at Game 3 garners reactions

The criticism reflects a larger trend in American politics, where sports arenas have become highly visible venues for public figures across the political spectrum.

For Trump, who has frequently appeared at UFC events, college football games and other major sports showcases, the NBA Finals offer another opportunity to connect with a broad national audience outside the traditional political arena.

Jeffries' comments tap into that debate, suggesting Trump's planned appearance is less about celebrating the Knicks and more about ensuring he remains part of one of the country's biggest cultural events.

Donald Trump was loudly booed when he was shown on the video screens at Madison Square Garden on Monday night before Game 3 of the NBA finals between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks.

As the Star-Spangled Banner was sung ahead of the game, Trump was shown on the jumbotron, and jeers and boos erupted around the arena. The president was shown for a little over eight seconds and saluted the entire time, with a smile on his face. A few seconds later, the video board showed Knicks players lined up, and the boos became cheers.

The US president, a longtime Knicks fan, attended as the guest of team owner James Dolan as New York hosted their first NBA Finals game since 1999.

Trump entered the arena amid a heavy security presence. He watched the game from the owner’s box above center court, while Secret Service personnel commandeered the neighboring suites on either side.

As the Finals return to Madison Square Garden, the spotlight will remain on the Knicks' championship pursuit