Kai Trump's telling reaction as grandfather Donald is booed at NBA Finals

The way Donald Trump's granddaughter reacted when the President was jeered by basketball supporters at Madison Square Garden has given a peek into their bond. Mr Trump, who claims to be a long-time supporter of the New York Knicks, attended the franchise's first home NBA Finals match in 27 years on Monday evening - but didn't receive a particularly enthusiastic welcome.

Audible jeers echoed when the President appeared on the Jumbotron, accompanied by granddaughter Kai Trump, during the National Anthem. And the manner in which Mr Trump's granddaughter responded to the jeers reveals much about her bond with her grandfather. The 19 year old professional golfer is the daughter of Donald Trump Jr and his former wife Vanessa, and is the President's eldest grandchild.

She gained prominence on social media following her speech backing her grandfather's re-election bid at the 2024 Republican Convention and has previously discussed how her connection to the President has impacted her life. In a clip posted on social media she said: "Fifty per cent of the world doesn't like me because of my last name."

She continued: "One time I was out in public and someone literally walked up to me to tell me that my grandpa sucks. I'm like, 'well, thank you so much for taking the time out of your day to say that'. Like, great, what do you want me to say to that?"

In footage of Mr Trump being jeered at Madison Square Garden on Monday, his granddaughter can be observed standing behind him. She appears completely unbothered by the boos, and even seems to begin smiling faintly as her grandfather salutes the anthem, reports the Mirror US.

While the occasion was a significant event for Knicks supporters, Mr Trump's presence meant many encountered additional obstacles to watching the team compete. Secret Service personnel conducted TSA-style security screenings on supporters entering the venue, and a substantial security barrier was erected surrounding the Garden. Traffic routes were also shut to both motor vehicles and pedestrians within a 10-block radius of the arena from approximately four-and-a-half hours prior to tip-off.

Mr Trump is the first serving president to attend an NBA Finals match, and, previously in the series, praised the Knick's playoff campaign, along with the club's owner James Dolan. "Well, I've been a Knicks fan for a long time, and I'm also a Jim Dolan fan," Trump said last week.

"He's a nice guy, okay? He's been a long time wanting to win, and he's a competitive guy, and he's got a team that's amazing."

The San Antonio Spurs eventually halted the Knicks' winning run as they claimed game three of the NBA Finals 115-111 to reduce the series disadvantage to 2-1. The Knicks had secured 13 successive victories throughout the play-offs, but the Spurs managed to clinch a close encounter.

Having dropped the opening two home fixtures, the Spurs raced into a 33-22 advantage in the first quarter, only for the Knicks to storm back with 42 points in the second quarter to seize a seven-point lead.

That deficit was swiftly overturned in the third quarter as the Spurs nudged back in front by a single point, and they managed to cling onto their slender advantage throughout the closing period. Victor Wembanyama was outstanding for the Spurs, finishing with 32 points, eight rebounds and six assists, while Stephon Castle chipped in with 23 points. Jalen Brunson top-scored for the Knicks with 32 points.

Game four takes place once again in New York on Wednesday, before the series heads back to San Antonio on Saturday.