The White House pushed back against claims that President Donald Trump appeared to fall asleep during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
by JESSICA A. BOTELHO | The National News DeskNEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: U.S. President Donald Trump watches the start of Game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York City.
Fans attending the game expressed frustration at the heightened security measures put in place for the president’s attendance. The White House pushed back against claims that President Donald Trump appeared to fall asleep while attending a variety of events, including"President Trump made history as the first sitting President to attend an NBA Finals game.
The President watched every moment of a highly competitive, entertaining contest from James Dolan's suite, joined by talented members of his Cabinet," Ingle said in a statement to The National News Desk on Tuesday.
"Anyone ridiculously claiming the President was asleep is either lying or has severe brain damage," he added. The controversy erupted after Trump attended the championship matchup between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night. Clips from the event circulated online, prompting some critics to speculate about the president's attentiveness during the game.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: U.S. President Donald Trump listens to the national anthem before the start of game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York City. Fans attending the game have expressed frustration at the heightened security measures put in place for the President’s attendance. Rep.
Ted Lieu, a Democrat who represents California, accused Trump of dozing off at the game. He also alleged that Trump was snoozing at other events in recent weeks, as well as questioned the president's health.
"The president of the United States is not well. We can see it with our own eyes. He has tremendous difficulty staying awake on the job," Lieu said during a news conference on Tuesday.
"Donald Trump has repeatedly fallen asleep at multiple Cabinet meetings and multiple White House events, at a Memorial Day ceremony, and most recently, at a very loud and raucous New York Knicks-San Antonio Spurs game last night," Lieu added. "The White House needs to come clean to the American people. They need to explain why Donald Trump keeps going to the hospital and why they keep giving him cognitive tests. The American people deserve the truth.
" Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, another Democrat, also criticized Trump. She shared a video that was posted on social media, allegeding that he was catching some Zzz's. Others defended Trump, saying he was looking down to watch the court.
One person told Ocasio-Cortez she "should be setting a positive example for people" instead of mocking the president online. The news came on May 26 after Barbabella conducted what he described as a "comprehensive" evaluation at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
"President Trump remains in excellent health, demonstrating strong cardiac, pulmonary, neurological and overall physical function. His demanding daily schedule, including multiple high-level meetings, public engagements, and regular physical activity, continues to support his overall well-being," Barbabella noted in the report, which the White House released late Friday night. Barbabella also said preventive counseling was provided, including guidance on diet, increased physical activity, and continued weight loss.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JUNE 08: U.S. President Donald Trump prepares to board Air Force One after leaving game 3 of the NBA Finals between New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs at Madison Square Garden on June 8, 2026 in New York City. Fans attending the game have expressed frustration at the heightened security measures put in place for the President’s attendance.
According to the report, Trump, 79, weighs 238 pounds, stands 6 feet 3 inches tall, and has a resting heart rate of 73 beats per minute. His blood pressure was measured at 105/71 mmHg, and his oxygen saturation was 98% "on room air.
" The doctor said Trump underwent extensive diagnostic testing, laboratory work, and consultations with more than 20 specialty providers. The evaluation found no major abnormalities involving his heart, lungs, neurological function, or other key systems. A coronary CT angiogram found no arterial blockages or structural abnormalities, while an AI-enhanced electrocardiogram estimated Trump's cardiovascular age to be "approximately 14 years younger than his chronological age," according to the report.
The examination noted minor findings, including slight swelling in the lower legs that has improved since last year, as well as bruising on the backs of Trump's hands, which the physician attributed to frequent handshaking combined with aspirin use. Trump also scored 30 out of 30 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, a widely used cognitive screening test. Additional screenings for depression and anxiety showed normal results.
The report, which noted "scarring of the right ear consistent with prior gunshot injury," said Trump is a lifelong non-smoker and abstains from alcohol. His current medications include rosuvastatin and ezetimibe for cholesterol management and low-dose aspirin for cardiovascular prevention. The Eastview Mall closed early Friday "out of an abundance of caution" after receiving a bomb threat, according to the venue's Facebook page.
A brief hold-in-place was held Monday afternoon on the north end of Seneca Park Zoo after a tree limb fell onto a baboon habitat, according to zoo officials. Officers used force to take a man into custody after he hit one them in the face during a traffic stop, according to the Rochester Police Department. The Monroe County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public's help in the search for a woman who went missing.
A 35-year-old man from Rochester has been charged with menacing and weapons possession after a police standoff on the city's west side.
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