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NEW YORK — President Donald Trump responded Tuesday to ESPN commentator Stephen A. Smith’s pregame prediction that he would blame Trump if the New York Knicks lost Game 3 of the 2026 NBA Finals, dismissing the remarks while describing Smith as a “nice guy” but questioning his qualifications for higher office.

The exchange added a political layer to an already star-studded and dramatic night at Madison Square Garden, where the San Antonio Spurs defeated the Knicks 115-111 on Monday, narrowing New York’s series lead to 2-1. Victor Wembanyama led the Spurs with 32 points in the victory.

Before the game, Smith, a prominent Knicks supporter and vocal analyst, expressed strong opposition to Trump’s attendance. He warned that the president’s presence would create unnecessary chaos in Midtown Manhattan and vowed to hold Trump responsible for any Knicks defeat.

“If they lose tonight, I’m looking right at him. I’m saying it. This is just me. I’m blaming him. I’m blaming the president of the United States of America if the New York Knicks lose this tonight,” Smith said on air.

Trump, seated in a luxury suite as a guest of Knicks owner James Dolan, became the first sitting U.S. president to attend an NBA Finals game. His appearance drew a mixed reaction from the crowd, with notable boos captured on broadcast cameras, though he later characterized the reception positively.

After the loss, Trump addressed Smith’s comments directly when asked by reporters. “I think he’s a nice guy, but you need a certain aptitude to run for president. You need a high IQ. I’m not sure that Stephen has that. I don’t think he does actually,” Trump said.

The president also spoke about his interactions at the game, mentioning conversations with Dolan and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. He noted the league’s physical style of play has intensified compared to previous eras.

“We did. We talked about it. He’s a friend of mine for a long time and he’s a great guy. He’s done a fantastic job,” Trump said of Dolan. Regarding Silver, Trump recalled discussing changes in the game.

On the crowd’s reaction when shown on the jumbotron, Trump remarked, “I thought it was amazing actually. … It was loud and it was very enthusiastic.” He added that it was “mostly cheers.”

The Knicks entered the game with momentum after winning the first two contests in San Antonio, extending a lengthy playoff winning streak. Monday’s defeat snapped that run and shifted focus back to New York for Game 4 on Thursday.

Trump’s visit generated significant pregame buzz and logistical challenges. Extra security measures were implemented, contributing to the heightened atmosphere Smith had anticipated. The commentator had pleaded with Trump to skip the event, calling it “selfish” and “narcissistic” and arguing it diverted attention from the players.

“This president has no business showing up in New York City. I am dead serious. It is selfish. It is narcissistic. It is ridiculous that he is coming to this game,” Smith stated in the lead-up.

The clash between the two high-profile New York figures — Trump, a longtime Knicks fan, and Smith, one of the league’s most outspoken voices — quickly became a viral storyline beyond the basketball court. Clips of Trump’s response and Smith’s original comments spread rapidly on social media.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver acknowledged the unique circumstances but emphasized the league’s focus on the competition. Trump’s presence highlighted the intersection of sports, politics and celebrity in one of the world’s most famous arenas.

For Knicks fans, the loss stung after promising early series success. Jalen Brunson and the team’s core will look to regroup at home, where the atmosphere is expected to remain electric despite the political distractions.

The incident underscores broader cultural tensions. Sports events have long served as shared national experiences, but in an era of polarized politics, even a basketball game can become a flashpoint. Smith’s willingness to tie the outcome to Trump’s attendance reflected deep-seated frustrations for some, while Trump’s retort exemplified his combative style.

Analysts noted the irony of the situation. While Smith’s prediction came true with the Knicks’ loss, attributing the result solely to the president’s visit overlooks on-court factors, including Wembanyama’s dominance and defensive lapses by New York.

Trump has maintained a visible presence in New York sports circles over the years. His attendance, alongside family members including granddaughter Kai Trump, added to the spectacle alongside other celebrities like former Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who was involved in a separate courtside collision earlier in the game.

As the series continues, the focus will shift back to basketball. The Spurs, led by their young superstar, demonstrated resilience on the road. For the Knicks, avoiding further distractions and harnessing home-court energy will be key in Game 4.

The Trump-Smith exchange provided entertainment for observers outside the immediate playoff narrative. Commentators and fans debated the appropriateness of presidential involvement in high-stakes sporting events, a discussion likely to persist as long as prominent figures continue crossing into the arena.

In the broader context of the 2026 NBA Finals, Monday’s events blended athletic competition with real-time cultural commentary. Whether the verbal sparring influences future attendance or fan behavior remains to be seen, but it ensured the game will be remembered for reasons beyond the final score.

League officials and team executives typically prioritize minimizing off-court disruptions. However, with figures of Trump’s stature, such intersections appear inevitable in a city like New York, where sports, media and politics have long intertwined.

For now, both Trump and Smith have moved on to the next chapter, with the president continuing his public schedule and the analyst preparing for further coverage of the series. The Knicks-Spurs matchup promises more intensity as it heads toward a potential decisive stretch.

SAN FRANCISCO — San Francisco Giants outfielder Jung Hoo Lee delivered a standout performance with four singles in five at-bats, extending his hitting streak to 16 games, but the Giants dropped a heartbreaker to the Washington Nationals 4-3 on Monday night at Oracle Park.

Lee, batting in the leadoff spot, went 4-for-5 with two runs scored as part of a 12-hit attack for the Giants. His performance highlighted a season in which the 27-year-old South Korean star has emerged as one of the National League’s most consistent hitters.

The Giants led 3-1 entering the ninth inning but could not hold on against a late Nationals rally. Washington scored three runs in the final frame to secure the victory, improving to 33-33 while dropping San Francisco to 27-39.

Logan Webb pitched effectively for the Giants, allowing one run over eight innings with seven strikeouts. However, the bullpen faltered after manager Tony Vitello opted to pull Webb to preserve him for potential extra innings. Reliever Keaton Winn surrendered the go-ahead runs in the ninth.

Bryce Eldridge contributed a key RBI double in the eighth that scored Lee and gave the Giants a temporary 2-1 lead. Matt Chapman also drove in a run earlier with a single. Despite the offensive output, defensive miscues and the bullpen collapse proved costly.

Lee’s four-hit night underscored his breakout 2026 campaign. Entering the game, he was batting around .323 with a strong on-base percentage and slugging mark, ranking among the league leaders. His 16-game hitting streak is the longest active in the majors and the best by a Giant in recent years.

The South Korean native, who signed a lucrative deal with the Giants after dominating in the KBO League, has overcome previous injury setbacks to establish himself as a cornerstone player. In recent weeks, he has slashed over .480 during hot stretches, showcasing line-drive power and plate discipline.

Monday’s game featured steady drizzle and gray skies, with wind affecting play throughout. Lee collected singles in multiple innings, including a fourth-inning hit that pushed his streak forward and an eighth-inning infield single upheld after a successful challenge.

Nationals starter Miles Mikolas and the bullpen navigated the Giants’ lineup effectively enough to keep the game close until the late surge. CJ Abrams and Daylen Lile delivered crucial hits in the ninth, capitalizing on the bullpen change. Gus Varland earned the save for Washington.

The Giants’ season has been marked by inconsistency, with injuries and bullpen issues contributing to their position in the NL West standings. Despite strong individual performances like Lee’s and Webb’s outings, late-game execution has been a recurring challenge.

Lee’s consistency provides a bright spot for San Francisco fans. His ability to make consistent contact and get on base has drawn comparisons to elite contact hitters. Over his last 15-plus games, he has produced at an elite level, with multiple multi-hit games.

The Giants acquired Lee with expectations that he would anchor the outfield and provide a steady bat in the lineup. After injury-limited campaigns earlier in his MLB tenure, 2026 represents a return to form reminiscent of his KBO success, where he was a perennial All-Star and batting champion.

For the Nationals, the win marked a resilient effort on the road. Trailing late, they mounted a comeback that highlighted their depth and timely hitting. The victory helped them maintain a .500 record amid a competitive NL East race.

Oracle Park, known for its scenic views and pitcher-friendly dimensions, played host to a competitive matchup. Fans braved the weather to support the Giants, with Lee’s hits drawing loud cheers throughout the evening. The loss, however, left the home crowd disappointed after a promising late lead.

Lee’s four singles were all well-placed line drives and ground balls that exploited gaps in the defense. His speed and instincts allowed him to turn potential outs into hits, including the challenged play in the eighth.

As the season progresses into mid-June, the Giants will look to build momentum with contributions from young talents like Eldridge alongside veterans. Lee’s hot streak offers hope that the offense can carry the team through pitching inconsistencies.

Analysts point to Lee’s plate approach as key to his success. He rarely chases pitches outside the zone and has improved his power stroke, contributing to a career-best OPS around .820. His presence at the top of the order sets a tone for the Giants’ lineup.

The series continues Tuesday with the Nationals and Giants facing off again at Oracle Park. San Francisco will aim to bounce back and even the set, relying once more on strong starting pitching and Lee’s bat.

Broader context in the NL West shows the division remaining competitive, with several teams jostling for positioning. The Giants’ record reflects challenges in closing out games, an area they must address to climb the standings.

Lee, often called “Jung Hoo” by fans and teammates, has become a fan favorite not only for his production but for his work ethic and humility. His journey from KBO stardom to MLB success embodies the growing international influence in baseball.

While Monday’s result was a tough pill to swallow, Lee’s performance provided a reminder of the talent on the roster. As the Giants prepare for the remainder of the season, consistent contributions from their outfielder could prove pivotal in any playoff push or late-season surge.

The Nationals’ late heroics demonstrated the unpredictable nature of baseball, where even dominant individual efforts like Lee’s can be overshadowed by team outcomes. Both clubs will regroup for the next chapter in their series.

The S&P 500 and Nasdaq indexes fell on Tuesday as a rebound in technology shares faded and as President Donald Trump said the U.S. must react to Iran’s shooting down of a U.S. ‌helicopter. Trump wrote in ⁠a ⁠social media post that Iran had shot down the U.S. Apache helicopter that was patrolling the Strait of Hormuz overnight, and vowed to respond, which added to doubts about prospects for a truce in the Middle East war.

The Cboe Volatility Index hit its highest level since April 7 during the session as stocks sold off.

Technology stocks resumed Friday’s selloff following a bounce on Monday. The S&P 500 tech index fell more than 4% before paring losses. The Philadelphia SE Semiconductor Index dropped as much as 8.6% after ⁠rising 3% ‌in early trading.

“When the bounce ran its course this morning, the tape came for sale more broadly. There’s also a rotation going on … so part of it is more of ⁠a momentum unwind,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at JonesTrading in Stamford, Connecticut.

The Russell 1000 value index outperformed the growth index.

Also Read | US stocks: SpaceX IPO demand is approaching four times oversubscribed, source says

Trump’s post also briefly “created another leg down,” O’Rourke said. In addition, investors may be worried ahead of inflation data and a highly anticipated SpaceX IPO later this week.
According to preliminary data, the S&P 500 lost 20.25 points, or 0.27%, to end at 7,385.48 points, while the Nasdaq Composite lost 254.47 points, or 0.98%, to 25,675.19. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 84.28 points, or 0.14%, to 50,857.58. Consumer price data for May could offer fresh clues ‌on how the rise in energy prices, driven by the Iran war, is impacting inflation. The data is due on Wednesday. SpaceX’s market debut on Friday could also be a hurdle for U.S. stocks as investors worry ⁠about possible overexuberance among high-growth technology stocks. Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to raise $75 billion and targeting a valuation of $1.75 trillion, the most ever for an IPO.
Some strategists have said investors are potentially booking profits in the high-flying semiconductor stocks to make room for SpaceX in their portfolios.

Technology and AI-linked stocks sold off sharply on Friday after Broadcom’s disappointing forecast fueled concerns about high valuations in the sector, particularly in chipmakers, which have rallied sharply this year. The semiconductor index remains up more than 70% for the year so far.

Is now the time for one last kinetic military bombing assault on the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps regime in Iran?

We know that President Trump prefers diplomacy and is trying to complete an Iranian surrender deal. Yet the news today that the president is blaming Iran for shooting down an Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz Monday night may change things.

Here’s the president’s Truth Social: “I have just been informed by our Great Military that last night the Iranians shot down one of our highly sophisticated Apache Helicopters while patrolling over the Strait of Hormuz.” He added: “There were two pilots involved, both are safe and uninjured. Nevertheless, the United States must, of necessity, respond to this attack.”

By the way, the central command’s rescue mission for the helicopter pilots was a miracle. The downed pilots were rescued using an Unmanned Surface Vessel sea drone, in a first-of-its-kind mission. Our military is absolutely incredible. Of course Iran has been busting the ceasefire left and right, hitting the American military, hitting Gulf states, hitting Israel. Israel bombed back by the way hitting Kharg Island. There’s a thought.

I’m not here to second guess the president who has my support for his courageous Iranian intervention. Yet you have to wonder when his patience for diplomacy will run out. And you also have to wonder whether any deal with Iran is ever really a deal.

These radical Islamists and their Nazi-like regime do not know the civilized world’s definition of right and wrong. They have never adhered to a deal. It’s part of their ideology, it’s part of their theocratic regime. It’s part of their hatred of America and Israel.

So, what’s Mr. Trump going to do by way of responding to the Iranian hit? We’ll here’s what General Jack Keane said last night: “Clearly the preferred option after eight weeks of frustration must be to return to military operations 10 days, 14 days, let’s finish this, let’s put them in the most vulnerable position they have ever been in.”

Surely this is an option that’s front and center on the table in front of Mr. Trump. And in addition, I want to quote General Keane again because he is among the most knowledgeable and experienced patriots we have, who by the way is a Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient. Here’s General Keane again from last night: “At the end of the day, I truly believe what is going to likely come down to is having to go after them and to kill as many of them as we possibly can, capture some if we can, but take all the instruments of tyranny away from them once and for all. It is likely the solution that has to come at some point.”

I’m sure Mr. Trump is considering all of this. This is about ending a near half century gruesome, barbaric dictatorship in the Middle East. It is also about freedom and liberty for all the other Middle Eastern countries, and of course our great friend and ally Israel. These are universal values worth fighting for.

Thailand received recognition from the UNODC for efforts against illegal waste trafficking, notably after a significant electronic waste seizure at Laem Chabang Port, highlighting improved enforcement and inter-agency cooperation.

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Key Points

• Thailand has been recognized by the UNODC for its efforts to combat illegal waste trafficking, highlighted by a significant seizure of electronic waste at Laem Chabang Port. This commendation underscores the country’s progress in tackling cross-border environmental crime.
• Deputy Prime Minister Suchart Chomklin received a letter from UNODC’s regional director, commending Thailand’s coordinated actions and active enforcement, as demonstrated by an on-site inspection of shipping containers.
• The successful March 10 seizure involved collaboration among various agencies: the Department of Special Investigation tracked criminal networks, the Customs Department confiscated illegal cargo, and the Pollution Control Department assessed environmental risks. The UNODC will continue its support for Thailand’s WasteNet program, promoting global waste management practices.

Thailand has received recognition from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for its efforts to curb illegal waste trafficking, following a recent seizure of electronic waste at Laem Chabang Port.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Suchart Chomklin said the commendation from the UNODC regional office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific cited Thailand’s progress in addressing cross-border environmental crime. The letter, signed by Regional Director Delphine Schantz, also referenced his on-site inspection of shipping containers as an example of active enforcement and coordinated action among agencies.

The March 10 seizure was carried out through cooperation among multiple authorities. The Department of Special Investigation gathered intelligence and tracked financial links tied to criminal networks, while the Customs Department conducted inspections and confiscated the illegal cargo. The Pollution Control Department provided technical analysis of hazardous materials, assessed environmental risks, and handled reporting under international obligations, including the return of waste to its country of origin.

Authorities view illegal waste trafficking as a transnational crime with direct impacts on public health, the environment, and the country’s circular economy. The UNODC will continue supporting Thailand through its WasteNet program, including capacity building, information sharing, and cross-border coordination, in line with the Basel Convention and broader efforts to strengthen global waste management practices.

Source : Thailand Wins UNODC Recognition for Waste Trafficking Crackdown

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