Whoopi Goldberg defends Trump attending Knicks NBA Finals game
Fox News
Last updated: June 9, 2026
Whoopi Goldberg defended the attendance of Donald Trump and Zohran Mamdani at the NBA Finals Game 3, arguing their long-standing New York Knicks fandom earned them a place. Despite co-hosts' concerns about potential "jinxing" and fan backlash, Goldberg asserted that their presence would not negatively impact the team.
- Political figures Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani were invited to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden as guests of Knicks owner James Dolan.
- Whoopi Goldberg stated that any Knicks fan has earned the right to attend games, regardless of personal likeability.
- Fans expressed objections to both Trump and Mamdani attending, with one fan explicitly stating they were not wanted.
- Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin suggested Trump might be blamed if the Knicks lose, while Sunny Hostin warned of "bad juju."
- Goldberg countered that the players are "on a mission" and that fans should focus their energy on supporting the Knicks.
- Trump confirmed his attendance, stating he has been a Knicks fan for a long time and also a fan of James Dolan.
- Mamdani is expected to attend separately and will not sit with Trump.
- Security concerns surrounding Trump's attendance led to the cancellation of a planned outdoor watch party and enhanced fan screening.
- The Knicks held a 2-0 lead over the Spurs entering Game 3, marking the first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999.
