Whoopi Goldberg Defends Trump’s Attendance at Knicks Game

Whoopi Goldberg spoke up for President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during her appearance on The View. She defended their attendance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, explaining that both are dedicated Knicks fans.

Goldberg emphasized, “I think anybody who’s a Knicks fan should be there. You earned the right as a Knicks fan. I don’t have to like you.” This comment came after clips aired, showing fans objecting to Trump and Mamdani’s presence at the game.

She remarked, “I’m sorry. Trump and Mayor Mamdani are Knicks fans and have been. They’re New Yorkers, and there’s nothing either one of them can do to change what’s happening in this city for this team.”

Trump was expected to attend the Knicks-Spurs NBA Finals Game 3. He confirmed receiving an invitation from Knicks owner James Dolan, stating, “I’ve been a Knicks fan for a long time and also a Jim Dolan fan. He’s invited me, and I’m going.”

Some Knicks fans voiced their displeasure, suggesting that the political figures stay away. One fan expressed, “I think I speak for all New Yorkers when I say that Mayor Mamdani and President Trump, do not come to Madison Square Garden. We don’t want you.”

Goldberg dismissed fears that either figure attending might affect the team’s performance. “You know what, I don’t think anything can jinx anything. I think these guys are on a mission,” she stated.

Co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin shared a different view, suggesting Trump could be blamed if the Knicks lost. “If I were advising him, I would be like, do not go, because if they lose tonight, everybody is going to —,” before Sunny Hostin added, “The jinx!”

Hostin suggested Trump’s attendance could bring “bad juju,” but Goldberg urged fans to remain positive. She stated, “All we need to concentrate on is putting our energy and good energy towards them, towards the Knicks. That’s what this is about.”

While Trump was set to be Dolan’s guest, Mamdani planned to attend separately and indicated he would not sit with the president.

The Knicks led the Spurs 2-0 as they headed into Game 3, marking New York’s first home NBA Finals game since 1999. Security preparations, including canceling an outdoor watch party and adding enhanced screening, were in place due to Trump’s attendance.