DONKEY: Charlamagne Gives James Dolan Donkey Of The Day For Inviting Trump To Knicks Game 3

Summary

---

Summary of "Donkey of the Day: Charlamagne Gives James Dolan Donkey Of The Day For Inviting Trump To Knicks Game 3"

Date: June 9, 2026
Podcast: Donkey of the Day (Power 105.1 FM, The Breakfast Club)
Host: Charlamagne Tha God, with DJ Envy and Angela Yee

---

Episode Overview

Charlamagne Tha God delivers the "Donkey of the Day" to New York Knicks owner James Dolan for inviting President Donald Trump to Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. The episode explores the massive disruptions caused by Trump’s attendance, specifically how security concerns and street closures inconvenienced both fans and local businesses. The discussion also critiques Dolan’s motivations and questions the priorities of those in power with respect to everyday, working-class people.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Knicks' Recent Success and Dolan’s Role

• Acknowledgment of Knicks' current finals run:
  Charlamagne notes that the Knicks' turnaround can be attributed to Dolan stepping away from basketball operations and focusing on other ventures, like the Vegas Sphere.

  • "Let the record show the Nick started having a lot of success when James Dolan took a step back from basketball operations, okay. And started focusing on the sphere in Vegas." (03:01)

• Credit is given to Knicks leadership:
  Leon Rose, Coach Mike Brown, Rick Brunson, and William Wesley (“World Wide West”) are applauded for the team's achievements.

  • "Those guys are responsible for the current Knicks success, if you ask me." (03:26)

2. Why Dolan Gets "Donkey of the Day"

• Direct Reason:
  For inviting Donald Trump—a sitting U.S. President and highly polarizing figure—to the NBA Finals, which created massive logistical and security issues for New Yorkers.

  • "If you were one of the many New Yorkers ... inconvenienced by President Trump being in attendance ... then blame the person who invited him, James Dolan." (02:44)

• Comparison to other controversies:
  Charlamagne draws parallels with the backlash against Kevin Hart for his choice of guests, arguing Dolan deserves similar scrutiny.

  • "To Kevin Hart, you need to have that same energy for James Dolan because he's the one who decided to invite the 45th and 47th President..." (03:08)

3. Impact on Working-Class New Yorkers

• Extreme Security Measures:
  CBS News reports massive street closures, a five-block security perimeter around MSG, and recommendations for fans to arrive two hours early.

  • CBS News: "Tonight, a five block perimeter around Madison Square Garden is shut down and ticket holders are being asked to show up at least 2 hours early." (04:31)

• Cancellation of Knicks Watch Party:
  Traditional gatherings outside MSG were canceled, depriving non-ticket holders of their usual communal experience.

  • CBS News: "...the watch party is canceled." (05:13)

• Economic Ripple Effects:
  Local bars, restaurants, delivery services, and ride shares suffered, as many fans were forced to bypass local establishments to arrive early or were entirely excluded by security measures.

  • "Think about all the businesses that suffered financial losses last night because of the reduced foot traffic… the watch party was canceled. Those are thousands of fans without tickets who spend money in those nearby areas." (08:18)

4. Critique of Dolan’s Motivations

• Out of touch with the people:
  The cast laments how decisions made by those in power rarely consider working-class inconvenience.

  • "Rich people love making decisions that everybody else has to deal with, okay? Being a boss ain't just about who you can impress, okay? It's about who you might inconvenience." (08:47)

• Call-out of Trump as “Joy Killer”:
  Charlamagne jokes that Trump's middle initial “J” stands for “Joy Killer”, underscoring the loss of joy for Knicks fans.

  • "Call Donald J. Trump. And the J stands for Joy Killer, okay?" (07:44)

5. Should Dolan Have Said No?

• Fear of creating an enemy:
  Angela Yee speculates that Dolan’s reluctance to deny Trump stems from business and political ties, including tax incentives and government funding for MSG.

  • "Dolan doesn't want to create an enemy with Donald Trump... MSG has long enjoyed a special property tax exemption..." (09:46)

• Discussion about priorities:
  Despite these connections, the cast argues Dolan should have prioritized “the people.” DJ Envy reiterates that Dolan could have said no, especially since Trump was invited, not self-invited.

  • "My point is still, even with all of that, said no for the people. It was unfair. ...He was invited and he accepted the invitation." (10:56)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Charlamagne on the hardship faced:
  "Do you know what street closures do in New York City? Okay? A street being closed could literally make you 30 minutes late to something four blocks away." (06:09)
• Charlamagne's wall quip:
  "They built a wall around the Garden last night. I believe it's the only wall Trump has actually gotten completed." (06:23)
• Summary burn:
  "Rich people love making decisions that everybody else has to deal with... every decision has a ripple effect, and sometimes those ripples hit people who never asked to be in the water." (08:47)
• Remy Ma soundbite:
  Angela Yee & Remy Ma: "Hee haw, hee haw." (09:42)
• Charlamagne, blunt as usual:
  "You stupid motherfcker."* (09:44)

---

Important Timestamps

• 03:01 – Charlamagne credits Knicks' success to leadership, not Dolan.
• 02:44 – Donkey of the Day laid out; Dolan's Trump invite blamed for chaos.
• 04:31 – CBS News outlines the extensive security and disruptions.
• 05:13 – Watch party outside MSG canceled due to presidential-level security.
• 06:09 – Charlamagne details the pain of navigating NYC street closures.
• 07:44 – "Joy Killer" quip and further critique of Dolan's decision.
• 08:18 – Economic consequences for businesses elaborated.
• 08:47 – Broader condemnation of wealthy decision-makers’ disregard for regular people.
• 09:42–09:44 – Remy Ma & Charlamagne's signature "Hee haw"/insult finale.

---

Tone & Style

The episode is marked by sarcasm, humor, and righteous frustration, typical of Charlamagne Tha God and The Breakfast Club's style. The hosts blend topical social commentary with local NYC color, reserving especially sharp criticism for those in power who disrupt "regular folks'" lives for the sake of convenience, status, or appearances.

---

Conclusion

This "Donkey of the Day" segment is a pointed, irreverent critique of James Dolan's prioritization of political opportunity over fan and community well-being. It highlights widespread inconvenience and economic detriment to New Yorkers, while questioning how power, access, and business intersect – all with The Breakfast Club’s signature mix of humor and candor.

Transcript

[Charlamagne Tha God]

This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human what's up y'?

[DJ Envy]

All?

[Angela Yee]

This is DH Envy from the Breakfast Club. From Curtis, 50 Cent, Jackson and the executive producers of Power Comes the Stars original series Raisin Kanan. Kanan's journey is driven by ambition and betrayal as he fights to escape the shadow of his mother Rock, played by Tony, Grammy and NAACP award winning Patina Miller. As tensions rise, Kanan forges a dangerous alliance that sets off a war with his own blood. The becoming the ruthless man he's destined to be. This final season is a must watch. Tune in when it drops and stay ahead of the spoilers. Catch the season premiere of raising Canaan June 12, only on Starz.

[State Farm Advertiser]

This weekend one of the homies mentioned he closed on a new crib. While everyone's asking about a house warming, you're asking the real questions. Like who is his State Farm agent? See, homeownership is one thing, but the right coverage is the real game changer is how you protect your legacy. A State Farm agent can help you with finding the right coverage for your new place and even help you file a claim over the phone, in person, online or on the app. They're ready to help you and they don't drop the ball. You know what I mean? Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.

[Nissan Advertiser]

Pressure has a way of revealing what remains steady. In the latest Nissan campaign, the Nissan Rogue was tested to the extreme to demonstrate that it's built to last through durability and reliability challenges inspired by real tests and conducted by Nissan engineers. Brutal potholes, a steady force of water, even a jet powered sandstorm. Each challenge inviting a deeper look at how quality, durability and reliability hold their ground in real world conditions. Every test was 100% real. No CG, no AI. To see how the Rogue held up, visit nissan-duability.com Paramount plus is now the

[DJ Envy]

home of all your BET favorites.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

What? Yes.

[DJ Envy]

With all new episodes of Tyler Perry's Divorce.

[CBS News Reporter]

Sisters always liked a little drama.

[DJ Envy]

Plus a whole new world of movies like Gladiator 2. Now I will control an empire. Original series like the Shy.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Just make sure we protect each other

[DJ Envy]

in live sports like ufc. Welcome to the history books. New home, same family. Your BET favorites are now on Paramount plus. Subscribe now. America's a reality TV show.

[CBS News Reporter]

T made it.

[DJ Envy]

It's time for Donkey of the Day.

[Angela Yee]

They're taking black jobs now and we

[Charlamagne Tha God]

have a racist at the top.

[DJ Envy]

You know they've this about a lot

[Angela Yee]

of things no other president could do.

[DJ Envy]

Some of the I'm doing Donkey of the day right there.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

So we are in a state of emergency.

[DJ Envy]

You need to tell them.

[Angela Yee]

I am.

[DJ Envy]

You have the voice. And we're now left at.

[Angela Yee]

We're like a bunch of stupid people.

[DJ Envy]

You are a donkey. Yes. Donkey. Today for Tuesday, June 9th goes to New York Knicks owner James Dolan. Why James Dolan? Charlemagne. The New York Knicks are in NBA Finals, up two games. The one against the San Antonio Spurs. I personally believe the Knicks will win in six. Okay. I told y'. All, you know, I believe they would lose games three and five, then they will clinch at home in six. So why is James Dolan, the owner of the Knicks, getting donkey of the Day when they are having so much success? First of all, let the record show the Nick started having a lot of success when James Dolan took a step back from basketball operations, okay. And started focusing on the spear in Vegas. All right? Leon Rose, Coach Mike Brown, Rick Brunson, William Wesley. World Wild west dropping the KLUZ bombs for those guys.

[Angela Yee]

World Wild West. What up, West?

[DJ Envy]

Those guys are responsible for the current Knicks success. Success, if you ask me. All right. But always remember, I pronounce all words that start with st like they start with sk. So why listen to me. So once again, what reason would I have to give James Dolan donkey of the day this morning? Well, the answer is simple. If you were one of the many New Yorkers, okay, who are inconvenienced by President Trump being being in attendance last night at Game 3 of the NBA Finals, then blame the person who invited him, James Dolan. Okay. See, you know how a lot of y' all got mad at Kevin Hart for having Tony Hinchcliffe at the roast. To Kevin Hart, you need to have that same energy for James Dolan because he's the one who decided to invite the 45th and 47th President of the United States of America to Madison Square Garden in congested ass New York City. Let's go to CBS News for the report, please. Well, it is an historic night at the NBA Finals with the first sitting U.S. president in attendance. President Trump watching the Knicks and the spurs from an executive suite as an invited guest of Madison Square Garden CEO Jim James Dolan. Well, our Ed o' Keefe is inside the Garden where security is tight.

[CBS News Reporter]

Ed Sherica, Good evening. The president has attended major sporting events before as commander in chief, and he was a courtside regular as a New York businessman. But his presence here tonight and all the security it brings has many fans crying foul. While the real actions on the court Tonight, hundreds of Secret Service and a thousand NYPD are also suiting up, part of a massive security plan to protect the President, a longtime New York Knicks fan. If you are not going to the game, we are asking you to avoid the area around Madison Square Garden. Tonight, a five block perimeter around Madison Square Garden is shut down and ticket holders are being asked to show up at least 2 hours early.

[DJ Envy]

Has anyone ever had this kind of a run in a playoff game?

[CBS News Reporter]

President Trump's attendance tonight is disrupting tradition in and outside the Garden. Typically, Knicks watch parties are held out here on this plaza on West 33rd Street. Thousands of people gather during the game to watch it from the outside, and they're usually watching up on that screen. But as you can see, it's behind presidential level security today, meaning the watch party is canceled.

[DJ Envy]

He's not a New York businessman anymore, guys. He's the president businessman of the United States of America. Every logistical headache you had to deal with yesterday around MSG was because of a poor choice by the owner of the Knicks, James Dolan. By the way, this isn't about politics, okay? It's about common sense. It's about, for once, can this guy give working class people a break? I mean, damn, his policies have already stifled job growth. His policies, policies have, you know, raised the cost of basic goods through tariffs. His policies, his policies have weakened labor rights, okay? To favor corporations and other rich people like myself. Gas prices are through the roof. Can I at least have a little bit of joy and go see the Knicks play? Okay? If I'm a bar or restaurant owner in the area, can I enjoy the influx of, influx of traffic that this game brings? Can we have a watch party outside of the arena? The answer is no. No in hell no. Because guys like James Dolan and Donald Trump hate us, okay? The working class people, the working class people who make them rich. When Donald Trump says things like he's not thinking about America's finances, okay? Not even a little bit. This is what he means. All right, all right. By the way, this didn't just impact people who came to the game yesterday. This impacted working class people in New York City, everyday Americans here in this great place we call the Empire State. First of all, the. Do you know what street closures do in New York City? Okay? A street being closed could literally make you 30 minutes late to something four blocks away. All right? They built a wall around the Garden last night. I believe it's the only wall Trump has actually gotten completed. Portions of 30th to 35th Street 6th and 8th Avenues were restricted, so it caused delays and confusion for commuters and tourists and drivers, pedestrians, all for someone that nobody but James Dolan wanted there. All right? TSA style security. Fans were told to arrive at least two. Do you not understand? Time is money, okay? What if the person watching my kids can't get there two hours early? What if I can't leave work two hours early? What if I had plans before the game? What if I need to get a haircut, nails done, whatever it is, that time is gone because of one person's selfishness, okay? They had a no bag policy. They had long lines that were all the way around the arena in Penn Station. The watch party outside the Garden was canceled. James Dolan, do you realize everyday Americans need joy? They out here getting their ass kicked on a daily basis because of Donald Trump's policies, and you took away their joy, okay? There is nothing like New York Knicks energy in New York City, okay? I've been living here for 20 years. This year, nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to New York City where the Knicks are in the finals. And James Dolan said, nah, f all that. What y' all so happy for? Okay, I know what to do. Call Donald J. Trump. And the J stands for Joy Killer, okay? I just don't understand why it's so hard to tell this man. No. Okay? Hey, Donald, under normal circumstances, would love to have you, but this is game three of the NBA Finals. You're going to cause too much disruption, too many inconveniences. It's not worth it to have you here, okay? Think about all the businesses that suffered financial losses last night because of the reduced foot traffic, okay? All the bars and restaurants that people probably go to before the game didn't get the crowd they usually would get because people had to get to MSG early. Think about the delivery trucks that were late, the ride shares that were disrupted, and once again, the watch party was canceled. Those are thousands of fans without tickets who spend money in those nearby areas. Those nearby areas didn't make the money they thought they was going to make last night. You know why? James Dolan, for deciding to invite Donald Joy Killer Trump. Listen, man, rich people love making decisions that everybody else has to deal with, okay? Being a boss ain't just about who you can impress, okay? It's about who you might inconvenience. All right? Every decision has a ripple effect, and sometimes those ripples hit people who never asked to be in the water. All right? I hate when people want to be so close to power. That they forget their actual job is serving the people who made them powerful in the first place. Please let Remy Ma give the owner of the Knicks, James Dolan, the biggest Hee haw.

[Angela Yee]

He ha hee haw.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

You stupid motherf cker.

[DJ Envy]

Are you dumb? Let's not make that same poor decision on Wednesday. What's today? Today? Wednesday. It's Tuesday.

[Angela Yee]

Wednesday. But I will say probably with Dolan is Dolan doesn't want to create an enemy with Donald Trump. I'm sure that that's the reason, because when I just did my little Googles and I just said, hey, does the government give Madison Square Garden money? It says, yes, but usually indirectly. What does it mean? Tax incentives. They said Madison Square Garden has long enjoyed a special property tax exemption from New York State Legislature and the government. He says they saved hundreds of millions of dollars. They said. Also infrastructure spending. Federal, state and city governments have funded improvements around Penn Station, which is connected and benefits Madison Square Garden security and major events for high profile events. The government provides traffic control, police, and sometimes it's like, you know that state

[DJ Envy]

government or federal government said both. Business.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah. So, I mean, if, if Trump's your guy and Trump wants to come and you see what he does to all

[DJ Envy]

his enemies, do you tell him no?

[Angela Yee]

Do you tell him no impact?

[DJ Envy]

I would think MSG deals with state taxes. They don't deal with. No, I wouldn't.

[Angela Yee]

It says state. It says state and federal. It says federal, state and city government property have funded improvements.

[DJ Envy]

I don't know. But my point is still, even with all of that, said no for the people. It was unfair. How about saying for the people? I agree. Hey. And he invited him. It's not like he asked to come. You invited him. James Dolan, he didn't ask to show up. He didn't say, hey, can I come to the game? He said he was invited and he accepted the invitation.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah.

[DJ Envy]

No James Dolan now, the poor decision, very poor choice. Well, I'm with you.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah, yeah. Trump shouldn't have been there, but. All right, well, thank you for that donkey.

[DJ Envy]

Today.

[Angela Yee]

I think we should open up the phone lines and discuss that. Honestly, I know you had something else y' all wanted to go. Where y' all won't go, where y' all won't go with it.

[DJ Envy]

I don't know what you want to talk about. Lauren talking about cheating, Right.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

It was young Miami and Trick Daddy, you know, she's been promoting Spin that, but she was talking to Trick Daddy about why he still isn't married after being separated. For 10 years from joy. And he says that he rather them just cheat and they meet each other in H double hockey sticks. But I don't even know if it's considered cheating if y' all are married on paper, but y' all are not. Y' all ain't doing the things that married people do. Like y' all ain't one no more.

[DJ Envy]

Well, are they separated?

[Charlamagne Tha God]

They're separated. But you know, trick Daddy and Joy situation is like, yeah, I think we, if you take it out of that, the question is just like if someone's married on paper, is it considered cheating if they're going off and doing their own thing?

[DJ Envy]

Yes, it is. You mean if somebody is married on paper but separated, it does it still

[Charlamagne Tha God]

separated to the point where like they ain't doing nothing together.

[Angela Yee]

Like, I know a lot of people

[DJ Envy]

that if you married, I know a

[Angela Yee]

lot of people that won't talk to. If you, if you're still on paper, they, they won't go on dates with you until that situation is completely. I know men that as well.

[DJ Envy]

Donald Trump had been to the game last night. That's what I was, that, that was way too complicated. That was a lot.

[Angela Yee]

I was just talking about Donald Trump.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

I think it goes with the flow of the conversation that came out of donkey.

[DJ Envy]

Yeah, that's what I was saying.

[Angela Yee]

Let's go, let's, let's open up the phone lines.

[DJ Envy]

800-585-105 and were you inconvenienced? I want to talk to the, you know, working class people here in the city that were actually inconvenienced by James Dolan's poor decision to invite Donald Trump to the game last night.

[Angela Yee]

Yeah. Let's talk. What did you think about Donald Trump going to the game? Were you inconvenienced going to the game? I know somebody who went to the game, got a standing room ticket, only had to pay a thousand dollars for that standing room ticket, had to leave at 2 o' clock for 8:30 game. And it still took him three and a half hours to get in, leave at 2 o', clock, 2 o', clock, go through the checkpoints and then the lines were around the corner and they still got in and it was like, I mean he had, he had to stink. Right? Because he was been there since 2:00 in the game.

[DJ Envy]

He was fat. Well, I mean was he usually stink?

[Angela Yee]

No.

[DJ Envy]

So why would you just say that?

[Angela Yee]

Because he was out all day. He didn't get a chance to take a shower. Eleven deodorant don't work out.

[DJ Envy]

No, it's the breakfast. Good morning donkey. Today is sponsored by renowned personal injury attorney Michael the Bull Laminsoft. Don't be a donkey when you need a fighter on your side. If you're ever injured, go to Michael the Bull.com that's Michael the Bull.com and when you mess with the bull, you get the horns.

[Angela Yee]

This July 4th, come celebrate at America's Block Party. Hosted by America 250.

[DJ Envy]

America's Block Party is a can't miss 4th of July concert happening at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Experience music performances from major artists, patriotic tributes and the kickoff to giving 4th, helping to make July 4th the largest day of giving in American history. It's more than just fireworks. Learn more about this landmark [e-mail]

[CBS News Reporter]

do

[Nissan Advertiser]

you know the symptoms of moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea, or OSA in adults with obesity? They may be happening to you without you knowing. If anyone has ever said you snore loudly, or if you spend your days fighting off excessive tiredness, irritability and concentration issues, it may be due to osa. OSA is a serious condition where your airway partially or completely collapses during sleep, which may cause breathing interruptions and oxygen deprivation. Learn more at. Don't sleep on osa.com this information is provided by Lily, a medicine company.

[DJ Envy]

Friday on Fox the wait is finally over. The stage is set. The biggest World cup ever comes to America. Sensational. Christian Pulisic and the US Kick off their World cup dream on a huge night of music stars and celebration in LA, USA Paraguay. Friday at 9pm Eastern on Fox and streaming free on Tubi.

[Nissan Advertiser]

When it comes to what your family eats and drinks, you know your choices matter. You're the expert because you know what fits your life. And getting it right starts with good information. That's why America's beverage companies are sharing more information about our [e-mail] no spin, no judgments, just the facts straight from the experts. For more than 140 beverage ingredients, visit goodtonofacts.org this is an iHeart podcast.

[Charlamagne Tha God]

Guaranteed human.