Trump, Stephen A. Smith Escalate NBA Finals–Fueled Feud
Smith blamed Trump for the Knicks’ loss after the president attended Game 3 and faced boos, delays and heavy security at Madison Square Garden.
- President Donald Trump made history as the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game on Monday, June 8, 2026, at Madison Square Garden.
- Criticizing the visit before tipoff, ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith labeled Trump’s attendance as "selfish" and "narcissistic," arguing the president’s presence would disrupt the New York Knicks’ playoff momentum.
- Heightened security, including street closures and canceled watch parties, impacted Midtown Manhattan as the Knicks lost 115-111 to the San Antonio Spurs, ending their 13-game postseason winning streak.
- Following the loss, Trump called Smith a "low IQ" individual, prompting the ESPN personality to respond on First Take by challenging the president to a debate while reiterating that the visit disrupted the team’s "mojo."
- Due to "scheduling conflicts and obligations," Trump is not expected to attend Game 4 at MSG on Wednesday, June 10, 2026, as the Knicks attempt to regain control of the series.
103 Articles
103 Articles
Donald Trump calls Stephen A. Smith 'dumb as a rock' amid ongoing feud
Donald Trump called ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith an "arrogant fool" on Wednesday, the latest in an ongoing heated exchange between the two that sparked last week over Trump's decision to attend an NBA Finals game.
CNN's Jones Rips 'President Buzzkill' For Attending NBA Finals, 'People Don't Like Trump'
CNN's Jones Rips 'President Buzzkill' For Attending NBA Finals, 'People Don't Like Trump' In the aftermath of the New York Knicks game two win of their NBA Final Series against the Spurs in San Antonio last Friday, the left wing media became obsessed with the news that President Trump, a lifelong Knicks fan, would dare to attend Game 3 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden in New York. Trump had been invited by Knicks owner James Dolan, some…
Knicks fans blame this game restriction for Game 3 loss
New York Knicks fans are blaming a game restriction for the team's home loss on Monday night. President Donald Trump attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at the famed Madison Square Garden, which led to increased safety protocols. A strict no-bag policy was put in effect with TSA-style screening procedures in place. The protocols [...]
Trump Rips Stephen A. Smith, Scarborough in Truth Social Posts
President Donald Trump attacked ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough on Wednesday, calling Smith “an arrogant fool” and Scarborough “a laughing stock” in a pair of Truth Social posts.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 40% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
