Published: May 28, 2026

New York — With the Knicks in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, politics and basketball are colliding once again in New York.

Governor Kathy Hochul made headlines when she was asked whether she would sit with President Donald Trump if he attends the Finals. Her answer was direct: “No.”

She went a step further, casting doubt on Trump’s claim of being a lifelong Knicks fan by challenging him to name the starting lineup from the team’s “1993 championship team.” (Note: The Knicks reached the NBA Finals in 1994 but have not won a championship since 1973.)

Despite the light jab, Hochul struck a pragmatic tone overall. She said she has no problem with Trump attending games in New York City and emphasized that her priority remains supporting the team and keeping New Yorkers safe and entertained.

A Tale of Two Topics: Sports Shade vs. Infrastructure Cooperation

Hochul was far more positive when discussing infrastructure. On the long-delayed redesign of Penn Station — one of New York’s most critical transit projects — she credited President Trump and his administration for adopting her vision and moving the project forward.

“I want the station done,” Hochul stated clearly. “I’m glad the president adopted my vision… we should just do something there. Something quite extraordinary.”