WASHINGTON – If President Donald Trump is coming to the game, some might suggest betting on the visiting team. Recent history seems to support this notion, as evidenced by the outcomes of several sporting events attended by the former president.
On a notable occasion, the New York Knicks faced off against the San Antonio Spurs, where they lost 115-111 at Madison Square Garden, despite having won the previous two finals. Trump’s presence, as a longtime Knicks supporter, has sparked discussions about a potential “jinx” effect.
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Historically, this jinx has been pointed out during Trump’s tenure, where he was present during the Washington Nationals’ loss in Game 5 of the World Series, the Washington Commanders’ defeat against the Detroit Lions, and even the Ryder Cup, where the U.S. team fell short against Europe. His attendance at these events seems to correlate with home team losses, creating a narrative that has caught the attention of fans and analysts alike.
This irony is particularly striking given Trump’s self-proclaimed obsession with winning, often referencing his electoral victories and favoring candidates who succeed in the Republican primaries. His sports fandom occasionally leads him into politically charged environments, such as Manhattan, where he faced sustained booing before Game 3’s tipoff.
Despite the speculation surrounding his impact on team performance, the White House has dismissed claims of a jinx as “foolish,” asserting that Trump remains “the people’s president.” Spokesperson Olivia Wales proclaimed, “President Trump is the greatest champion for sports of any president in American history, and he loves them.”
While Trump’s attendance does not uniformly lead to home team losses, it is notable that during a September event, the New York Yankees triumphed over the Detroit Tigers 9-3 while he commemorated the 24th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Similarly, he celebrated when Navy beat Army 17-16, though the game took place outside Navy’s home stadium.
As the World Cup approaches, Trump’s involvement in the event raises further questions. He has pledged to attend the final and award the trophy, which could pose challenges for the U.S. national team, particularly since they have never advanced past the semifinal stage in modern tournament history.
Some Knicks fans have already expressed their frustrations, playfully attributing the team’s Game 3 loss to Trump’s attendance. Even California Governor Gavin Newsom, an often vocal critic of Trump, echoed this sentiment, sharing a post that humorously alluded to the “Trump effect.”
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith further fueled the narrative, suggesting before Game 3 that it would be Trump’s fault if the Knicks didn’t win. Following the game, he stated, “What I feared would happen ended up happening,” implying that the president’s presence had disrupted the team’s momentum.
In response to Smith’s comments, Trump chose to dismiss any linkage drawn between his attendance and the game’s outcome, stating, “I think he’s a nice guy. But you need a certain aptitude to run for president,” questioning Smith’s intelligence in the process.
Booing has not deterred Trump from attending games, as he frequently did before his political career. Despite his mixed receptions — often more reflective of his political stance — he continues to engage with sports audiences. His appearance at events like the Nationals’ World Series game and the U.S. Open has drawn both cheers and jeers, illustrating the complex relationship between his political persona and sports fandom.
After the Knicks’ recent game, Trump attempted to spin the negative crowd reaction into a positive, suggesting that the boos were “mostly cheers.” The White House echoed this sentiment with a photo captioned “King of New York.” However, local media offered a more humorous take, depicting Trump in a Knicks jersey, further highlighting the stark contrast between his political image and his sporting engagements.
