Josh Hart isn't one to hold his tongue when it comes to politics. The New York Knicks guard has made it abundantly clear over the years that he's no fan of President Donald Trump — and he's not about to start biting his lip now.
As the Knicks charge toward their first NBA Finals appearance since 1999, Trump has publicly thrown his support behind the team. The Queens native told reporters he plans to catch a game at Madison Square Garden during the Finals, after originally eyeing a trip to the Eastern Conference clincher. But while the Garden's owner, Jim Dolan, might welcome the president with open arms, Hart is singing a very different tune.
This isn't a newfound feud. Back in 2018, when Trump mocked LeBron James for sitting down with former CNN host Don Lemon, Hart didn't hold back. “It’s just childish,” Hart said at the time. “That’s someone who literally just opened a school in this past week helping kids from the inner city, kids who don’t have parents in their lives. Someone who’s a role model obviously for young African Americans. So to see that, it’s childish and it’s a shame that that’s our president, but hopefully he’ll be better. But it’s childish.”
Hart's disdain for Trump didn't cool off after that. In November 2020, when Trump lost the presidential election to Joe Biden, the Knicks veteran took to social media with a celebratory post: “YESSIR!!!! GET TRUMP’S [EXPLETIVE] OUT THE WHITE HOUSE.” It was a raw, unfiltered reaction that left no doubt where he stood.
Fast forward to the present, and Hart hasn't exactly warmed to the idea of Trump backing his team. While the Knicks have been laser-focused on their playoff run — sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round and now bracing for the Finals — Hart hasn't publicly addressed Trump's recent comments. But given his track record, it's safe to say he won't be sending the president a thank-you note.
The political divide in sports isn't new, and Hart is far from the only athlete willing to speak his mind. Just last month, Trump floated turning the White House into a permanent UFC arena, drawing mixed reactions from the sports world. Meanwhile, wrestling fans slammed Mick Foley as a hypocrite over his Trump stance, showing that political opinions can fracture even the most loyal fan bases.
Hart's willingness to criticize a sitting president — especially one who's now rooting for his team — is rare in today's sports landscape. Most players stick to safe, apolitical platitudes, but Hart has never been one for playing it safe. As the Knicks chase their first title in over five decades, don't expect him to start now.
With the NBA Finals looming, all eyes will be on Madison Square Garden — and possibly on Trump in the stands. But if Hart's past is any guide, he'll let his play do the talking, even if his opinions are loud and clear.
