Podcast host Joe Rogan said that President Donald Trump should stick to attending UFC events because he is going to get booed “everywhere else.”
Rogan’s remark comes on the heels of Trump’s appearance at Game 3 of the NBA Finals between the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Videos from the arena showed a mixed reaction when Trump appeared on the jumbotron during the national anthem. Some sections of the crowd erupted into “USA” chants and cheers, while others responded with loud boos.
In a recent conversation with comedian Joey Diaz that was released on Wednesday, Rogan noted the boos the president received, saying in part that he shouldn’t go to “that spot” and should instead “go to the UFC.”
“He should stick to the UFC, they’re going to boo him everywhere else,” Rogan said. “I heard some people cheered, I heard it was like cheers and boos, but the problem is, if there’s cheers and any boos…if there’s like 50/50…don’t go to that spot, go to the UFC,” Rogan added.
Multiple videos shared online highlighted different parts of the reaction from the NBA Finals game, fueling competing narratives about whether Trump was welcomed or rejected by the New York crowd.
When reached for comment, the White House referred Newsweek to remarks the president made following Monday night’s game.
When asked after the game about the reception he received, Trump said it was great: “I think mostly cheers, it was loud and it was very enthusiastic.”
What To Know
The moment underscored Trump’s ability to generate strong reactions wherever he goes, particularly in a city like New York, where political opinions about the president remain deeply divided, given the city’s political makeup and Trump’s history there as a longtime New Yorker.
Rogan also pointed out that he’s seen Trump attend UFC events several times and he’s “never gotten booed.”
“The people that say they’re booing him, you’re distorting reality. It’s not true, they cheer him,” Rogan said in part about Trump attending UFC events. Diaz later said that Trump’s presence at the game was “the kiss of death” for the Knicks, who lost to the Spurs, ending New York’s 13-game playoff winning streak.
Trump’s presence created an unusually complex security operation on Monday night, as the U.S. Secret Service, New York Police Department and arena officials established extensive security protocols around Madison Square Garden, including a no-bag policy, multiple screening checkpoints and a large security perimeter around the arena.
Fans were advised to arrive significantly earlier than usual, with officials warning of longer entry times due to the enhanced screening procedures.
The additional security measures also affected surrounding events. Authorities canceled the Knicks’ traditional outdoor watch party outside the Garden for Game 3, citing coordination with the Secret Service and the challenges of managing large crowds during a presidential visit.
What Happens Next
Game 4 of the NBA Finals is set for tipoff at 8:30 p.m. ET Wednesday. It is immediately unknown if Trump plans to attend another game.
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