Whoopi Goldberg rejects theory linking Trump to Knicks loss: 'They were not playing great ball'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Whoopi Goldberg on Tuesday, June 9, criticized the audience who attributed the New York Knicks’ NBA Finals loss to the presence of President Donald Trump at Madison Square Garden. 

While she acknowledged the logistical frustrations caused by the security measures, she insisted that the team’s own performance was the sole reason for the defeat.

Whoopi Goldberg rejects external factors in Knicks' defeat

Goldberg addressed the audience, noting the widespread annoyance regarding the traffic and security restrictions imposed by the visit.

"He came into town, messed up everything, you couldn’t go — you couldn’t make a left. You couldn’t make a right. Couldn’t go across the street. You couldn’t buy anything," she explained.

Despite the audience cheering the idea that the President was responsible for the team's loss, Goldberg firmly pushed back against the narrative. 

She emphasized that fans should focus on the team’s lack of effort rather than the political figure in the stands.

"No, no, no, now, come on now. They were not playing great ball. That was on us. I have to just reiterate the fact that this man does not have that kind of power. We have to remind people. He doesn’t have the power," she argued.

Sunny Hostin’s 'Bad Juju' theory sparks debate

The conversation grew tense when co-host Sunny Hostin suggested that the President’s presence brought "bad juju" to the arena.

Goldberg stated, "I see your face, and I know how you feel, and you can say what you want. But by saying that it’s his fault that we lost means that there’s no responsibility taken. These guys were not playing at their best."

Despite Goldberg’s attempt to focus on athletic accountability, Hostin remained convinced of a negative atmosphere, joking that the team would need to sage the Garden to restore their momentum.

Whoopi Goldberg earlier stressed the right to attend regardless of politics

Goldberg also upheld the same sentiment on Monday, when she defended the right of both the President and Mayor Zohran Mamdani to support the team.

She has consistently maintained that being a fan grants someone the right to attend, regardless of their political standing or personal feelings.

"I think anybody who’s a Knicks fan should be there. You earned the right as a Knicks fan. I don’t have to like you," she noted.

She emphasized that these individuals have no control over the game's outcome. "I’m sorry. Trump and Mayor Mamdani are Knicks fans and have been, they're New Yorkers. And ... there’s nothing either one of them can do to change what’s happening in this city for this team," she added.