President Donald Trump is publicly throwing his support behind the New York Knicks as they make a deep playoff run, and he's not shy about it. During a Tuesday afternoon interview with Sid Rosenberg on 77 WABC, the commander-in-chief shared his rooting interests for the NBA postseason, and it turns out he's firmly in the Knicks' corner.
Trump's comments came as the Knicks swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round, punching their ticket to the Eastern Conference finals for the first time since 1999. When asked about the team's dominant performance, Trump didn't hold back his enthusiasm. "I get along with Jim Dolan, I think he's a really good guy," Trump said, referring to the Knicks' owner. "Boy, some of these players have turned out to be great players. Philadelphia is a tough team – their center [Joel] Embiid is a big guy – and you thought those games would be good, but they were winning by 35 points. I really like Jim Dolan a lot. I'm really happy for him and the team."
While Trump's endorsement might seem like a boost for the franchise, not everyone in the Knicks' fanbase is celebrating. Social media lit up with a mix of frustration and dark humor after the news broke. One fan lamented, "We're cursed," while another bluntly replied, "Get out of my fanbase." A third fan went as far as to call it "legitimately my worst nightmare." It's a reminder that presidential politics can sometimes clash with sports loyalties, even when the team is on a historic run.
The Knicks haven't reached the NBA Finals since 1999, and their last championship came in 1973—a drought that feels like ancient history to younger fans. But this year's squad has the look of a legitimate contender. Jalen Brunson has been a playoff revelation, delivering clutch performances when it matters most. Karl-Anthony Towns is evolving into a versatile playmaker, and Mikal Bridges is hitting his stride at the perfect time. With that trio leading the charge, the Knicks have the firepower to make a serious push for the title.
Trump's connection to sports goes beyond basketball, of course. He's been a vocal critic of the NFL's recent shift to streaming, blasting the league for prioritizing profits over accessibility, as seen in his comments on the streaming debate. He's also made headlines for his ties to the UFC, including a lavish birthday bash on the White House lawn with VIP passes reportedly costing $1.5 million. But for now, his focus is on the hardwood, and he's hoping the Knicks can end their long championship drought.
Whether Trump's support helps or hurts the Knicks' mojo remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the team has the talent and the momentum to make a deep run. As the Eastern Conference finals loom, all eyes will be on Madison Square Garden—and on the White House, where the president will be cheering right along with the rest of New York.
