As President Donald Trump heads to New York City on Monday to watch Game 3 of the NBA Finals, one notable person won’t be in his suite with him: NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
The White House did not indicate Trump would meet with Mamdani when the Washington Examiner reached out for comment. There does not appear to be any public meeting scheduled between the two men.
Mamdani appeared cool on any potential meeting with Trump, even as he plans to attend the game Monday evening.
“I can tell you that I’m planning to go to a Knicks game,” the mayor said last week. “I will be at Game 3. I will be in a very different section of the stadium. And I think we look forward to welcoming any New Yorker who is excited for the Knicks to have that chance to win that championship.”
“I can tell you that I won’t be courtside or in a suite, but I can’t wait to see the game,” Mamdani also told 1010 Wins. The mayor was mum about whether he had been invited to sit with Trump.
Trump, a native New Yorker, will reportedly watch Game 3 of the finals in a suite, not courtside. Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, has previously watched NBA games from less expensive seats. Knicks owner Jim Dolan is expected to join the president in his suite, as is New York Republican gubernatorial candidate Bruce Blakeman.
Blakeman previously indicated that he and the president will have dinner before the game, where they will discuss a range of issues. The Washington Examiner contacted a spokesperson for Blakeman’s campaign for more details.
Trump’s presence at the game has led to enhanced security. Knicks fans won’t be able to watch Game 3 in an area they typically gather outside Madison Square Garden due to concerns from the New York Police Department and the Secret Service.
Mamdani said Knicks fans can watch the game at Bryant Park, Central Park, and at Brooklyn Bowl.
“From every borough and every neighborhood, this city has come together to cheer on the Knicks and share in a moment that belongs to all of us,” Mamdani said in a statement. “That’s why we’re adding Bryant Park as an additional watch party location, so even more fans can be part of this incredible Knicks Finals run.”
The Knicks’ social media accounts have also advised fans not to bring bags to the game, to limit personal items, and to arrive at least two hours before tip-off to allow time for screenings.
Trump and Mamdani previously met in November at the White House, where the two men seemed to have a reinvigorated relationship after months of trash-talking.
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“We agree on a lot more than I would have thought. … I want him to do a great job, and we’ll help them do a great job,” Trump said about Mamdani.
The two also met again in February, where they discussed housing costs in the city and the detention of Elmina Aghayeva, a Columbia University student from Azerbaijan, by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.