Whoopi Goldberg defended President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani during an episode of "The View" on June 8, 2026. She stated that both individuals, being longtime Knicks fans, deserved to attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. Goldberg remarked, "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."
The discussion followed clips of fans expressing objections to Trump and Mamdani's attendance. Goldberg emphasized their status as Knicks fans and New Yorkers, asserting that their presence would not affect the team's performance.
Goldberg also celebrated the Knicks' 2-0 lead in the Finals and expressed enthusiasm for the team's success. Trump confirmed his attendance at the game, stating he has been a Knicks fan for a long time and was invited by owner James Dolan.
Concerns regarding Trump's attendance led to the cancellation of a planned watch party outside Madison Square Garden and the implementation of enhanced security measures for fans. The Knicks are competing in their first NBA Finals game in New York since 1999.