Trump added that fans would not face these costs during a standard regular-season game.
"If the game wasn't a big one, if the team wasn't a big success, you can go very easily," Trump added.
"So you can do that, too. But that's the way life is, you know.
And they've had great success. Don't forget they've suffered also, losses.
They've suffered through the bad times. Now they have a team that's amazing."
Criticism and Support for Security Measures
Several public figures and sports commentators expressed frustration over the massive logistical disruptions expected to impact New York City due to the presidential visit.
"Why does Donald Trump always have to ruin a good thing?" lifelong Knicks fan Rep.
Hakeem Jeffries told CNN. "Like, literally, the Knicks haven't been in the NBA finals for 27 years.
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The city is trying to celebrate this. We've embraced this team, and this guy has to inject himself."
Sports commentator Stephen A.
Smith also urged the president to stay away during his SiriusXM radio show, citing the inevitable operational chaos inside and outside the arena.
"I don't want him there," Smith said.
Smith emphasized that his opposition is rooted entirely in the severe physical congestion the visit will bring to the sports venue.
"It has everything to do with him disrupting and contributing at the same time to the chaos that's going to be existing at Madison Square Garden," Smith said.
