President Donald Trump took a verbal jab at Canada on Thursday, again suggesting the United States could absorb its northern neighbor as a “fifty-first state” while rallying support for Team USA ahead of a heated hockey showdown.
Tensions have escalated ahead of the tournament final in Boston, fueled by Trump’s recent tariffs on Canadian imports and repeated verbal digs at America’s longtime ally.
During a previous matchup between the two nations in Montreal, brawls erupted on the ice, and Canadian fans loudly booed the US national anthem. The high-stakes clash is part of the Four Nations Face-Off, featuring elite NHL players from Canada, Finland, Sweden, and the United States.
Ahead of the game, Trump called Team USA after their morning practice, expressing confidence in their victory. He later posted on social media: “to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty-First State.”
Although a prior engagement with US governors will keep him from attending in person, Trump quipped that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau—whom he often dismisses as a mere “US governor”—was welcome to watch the game alongside him.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed the sentiment, remarking, “We look forward to the United States beating our soon-to-be 51st state.”
Despite the political tension, Trump did extend a brief sporting gesture: “Good luck to everybody, and have a GREAT game tonight. So exciting!”
Both teams secured their spots in the final by defeating Finland and Sweden. Their previous encounter was marked by three fights within the first nine seconds, an emotionally charged opening that many linked to the ongoing political friction.
For Canadians, the game carries significant national pride. The Toronto Star reported that hockey is deeply intertwined with Canada’s identity, with over three-quarters of citizens believing the sport represents the nation’s core values. Many see Thursday’s final as an opportunity to assert their country’s pride in the face of Trump’s repeated provocations.
