Trump was captured on video appearing to fall asleep while watching Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on Monday evening, as fans booed him throughout the night
22:33 ET, 08 Jun 2026Updated 22:35 ET, 08 Jun 2026
Two men are seated in a formal setting, with one individual dressed in a dark suit and a red tie, and the other wearing an orange shirt. Both are focused on an event taking place before them, with expressions of concentration and engagement.
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Trump appeared to nod off in a viral video captured of him on Monday evening
Eagle-eyed Knicks fans documented the moment President Donald Trump seemingly dozed off while attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden on Monday night.
Footage circulating widely online shows the president shutting his eyes as he clasps his hands in his lap. His head dips slightly for roughly 45 seconds before he suddenly reopens his eyes with a start, glances around, and refocuses on the action unfolding on the court beneath him.
Earlier during the evening, throughout the national anthem, Trump's bruised, discolored hands were prominently visible. Alert photographers documented his heavily made-up hand as he acknowledged booing Knicks supporters throughout the arena, who heckled him and hurled profanities in his direction all evening.
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Journalist Aaron Rupar shared an image of Trump's hand taken by a Getty photographer in the stadium, writing, "Trump, with his afflicted right hand visible, stands during the national anthem while at MSG for the NBA Finals."
Trump's hands have faced considerable examination over the past year after large, dark bruises appeared on the back of his right hand near the start of his second term, reports the Mirror US.
The White House attributed the bruising to an aspirin routine and to the substantial number of individuals he greets with handshakes each day.
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Trump was also diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency last summer, which may explain some of the bruising, along with the swelling regularly observed around his feet and ankles.
Trump brutally booed as he arrives at MSG in motorcade and takes seat inside
Trump faced humiliation when fans brutally booed him as he approached MSG on Monday night in his presidential motorcade.
Obscenities were directed at the president as the crowd jeered at his waving form, visible while seated in The Beast.
Numerous attendees carried signs displaying disapproval of the president, and at least two individuals gave him the middle finger. Another gestured with a thumbs down.
An individual in a formal suit, standing in an audience, clapping and gesturing with both hands.
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Trump's bruised hands sparked concern earlier in the evening
"Put them gas prices down!" one fan can be heard shouting before hurling an expletive at Trump. "F--- Trump, but we came here for the Knicks!" another can be heard shouting. The crowd around them can be heard chanting, "F--- Trump, go Knicks!"
According to Jeff Mordock, a Washington Times reporter in Trump's press pool, one sign read, "Nobody wants you here." Another said, "Trump must go." Yet another read, "Impeach. Convict. Remove."
Within the venue, the booing persisted during the national anthem and multiple other occasions when the president appeared on the big screens throughout the game.
Security ramped up at MSG for Trump attendance as fans rattled
Security measures preceding Trump's appearance at the venue for Game 3 of the NBA Finals had basketball enthusiasts — and New Yorkers — on edge. Secret Service personnel were observed screening attendees as they arrived at the legendary Manhattan arena, home to the New York Knickerbockers — better known as the Knicks.
Earlier that day, officials announced that spectators would be prohibited from bringing bags into the facility, even those meeting its standard requirements, due to the president's scheduled appearance.
Outside the venue, law enforcement directed crowds into cordoned-off queues, which stretched considerably before game time. Footage shows attendees waiting more than an hour to gain entry, where they then faced enhanced security screening from the Secret Service.
Footage captured from the nearby waterfront shows massive military helicopters positioned for departure on platforms along the shoreline and smaller aircraft hovering overhead, monitoring for potential threats.
Trump confirmed his attendance at Game 3 of the Finals, which featured the Knicks hosting the San Antonio Spurs in their opening home contest of the best-of-seven championship series.
The Knicks have already secured the opening two contests, meaning they require just two additional wins to claim their first NBA championship since 1973.
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The Spurs needed four victories to capture the franchise's sixth NBA title since 1999, when both squads last met in the Knicks' previous Finals appearance.