Trump Tariffs Spark Chaos: NHL & NBA Games in Canada Boomed as National Anthem Played

“The Great White North is getting louder and more divided as the U.S. national anthem takes center stage in a growing controversy across the NHL and NBA. As the tariffs imposed by President Trump on Canadian goods take effect, the usually tranquil atmosphere of Canadian sports arenas has given way to a chorus of boos and jeers every time the Star-Spangled Banner is played. The once-peaceful tradition of showing respect to the American national anthem has turned into a powder keg of patriotism and politics, with many Canadians taking a stand against the tariffs and Trump’s policies.

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From the icy rinks of the NHL to the hardwood courts of the NBA, the anthem has become a lightning rod for anti-American sentiment in Canada. Fans are making their voices heard, loudly expressing their discontent with the tariffs and the impact they’re having on Canadian businesses and families. As the diplomatic tensions between the two nations continue to simmer, the national anthem has become a symbol of the deepening divide. In this article, we

Canada’s Protest Against Trump’s Tariffs Erupts in NHL and NBA Games

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In a symbolic show of anger, Canadian fans began booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before NHL and NBA games over the weekend. The mass protests come on the same weekend that U.S. President Donald Trump imposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico, as well as 10% on those from China.

Trump’s announcement of tariffs was met with retaliatory measures from Canada and the promise of “tariff and non-tariff measures” from Mexico. Typically, at NHL and NBA games involving teams from each country, both national anthems are performed before play begins.

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The Booing Begins

During “The Star-Spangled Banner” at NHL games in Ottawa, Vancouver, and Calgary, usually-demure Canadians began loudly booing the U.S. anthem, at some points making it hard to even hear the song.

The anthem does not appear to have been a part of televised coverage of the games, but attendees quickly began posting video of the moments online.

Booing across Rogers arena in Vancouver during the US anthem

Loud Booing at the End of the Star Spangled Banner as Well

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NHL and NBA Games: Where the Booing Took Place

On Sunday, the same happened in Toronto, where Canada’s only NBA team, the Raptors, were set to play the L.A. Clippers.

Watch on Deadline Canadian sports fans loudly made their voices heard regarding Donald Trump’s 25 percent tariff during both NHL and NBA games.

On Tuesday, a 25 percent tariff imposed by Trump on all Canadian imports will go into effect.

The move comes after the 78-year-old pushed for Canada to be the 51st state of the United States, a stance that has been received poorly by Canadians.

With Trump doubling down on two highly unpopular decisions, Canadian sports fans made their displeasure with the American President know during an NHL and NBA game.

Before the Ottawa Senators matchup with the Minnesota Wild, fans were very appreciative of hearing the Canadian national anthem being sung.

When the ‘Star Spangled Banner’ then was performed, the fans in attendance were heard booing as the anthem was being played.

Additionally, fans in Calgary did the same when the American national anthem was performed as attendees made their displeasure with Trump known.

On Sunday before the Los Angeles Clippers faced off against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena, fans were even louder in their boos of the American national anthem.

The Background to the Booing

The Canadian fans’ response comes after the American president elected to engage in a trade war with Canada and Mexico.

Trump’s Tariffs

On Truth Social, Trump posted: “We pay hundreds of Billions of Dollars to SUBSIDIZE Canada. Why? There is no reason. We don’t need anything they have. We have unlimited Energy, should make our own cars, and have more lumber than we can ever use. Without this massive subsidy, Canada ceases to exist as a viable Country. Harsh but true!”

Trump added: “Therefore, Canada should become our Cherished 51st State. Much lower taxes, and far better military protection for the people of Canada – AND NO TARIFFS!”

The Economic Impact

Economists believe the move could cause Canada to go into a recession, if he tariffs are in place for too long.

The move will also raise prices for Americans, as tariffs impact the consumer more than what Trump has previously stated during his reelection big.

With Canadians unhappy with how the situation is playing out, Trudeau addressed his constituents and explained how the country will retaliate.

“Many among us will be affected by this, and we will have some hard times. I ask you to be there for each other. Now is the time to choose Canada,” he said in an address Saturday night, per the BBC.

“We prefer to solve our disputes with diplomacy. But we are ready to fight when necessary.”

The Significance of the Booing

Canadian Sentiment

The sentiment of Canadian fans towards Trump’s policies and the tariffs is one of disapproval and anger.

Canadian fans are making their voices heard, expressing their displeasure with Trump’s policies and the tariffs through the booing of the American national anthem.

International Relations

The implications of the tariffs on the relationship between the US and Canada are significant.

The tariffs have already led to a significant deterioration in the relationship between the two countries, with Trudeau vowing to fight back against Trump’s policies.

Sporting Events as a Platform

The use of sporting events as a platform for political expression and protest is a significant aspect of the booing of the American national anthem.

Canadian fans are using sporting events as a way to express their displeasure with Trump’s policies and the tariffs, and to make their voices heard.

    • The booing of the American national anthem is a significant example of the use of sporting events as a platform for political expression and protest.
      • The booing is a clear message to Trump and the US government that Canadians are opposed to the tariffs and Trump’s policies.
        • The use of sporting events as a platform for political expression and protest is a significant aspect of the booing of the American national anthem.

Conclusion

As the United States and Canada engage in a bitter trade war, the tension has spilled over onto the sports scene. The U.S. national anthem, typically a symbol of unity and patriotism, has been met with loud boos and jeers at NHL and NBA games in Canada. This unprecedented display of dissent is a direct response to the Trump administration’s tariffs, which have taken effect and are causing economic pain for Canadian industries.

The boos are a manifestation of the deep-seated frustration and resentment felt by many Canadians towards the U.S. government’s actions. The tariffs, aimed at punishing Canada for its supposed unfair trade practices, have instead hurt Canadian businesses and workers. The NHL and NBA games have become a platform for Canadians to express their discontent, and the booing of the national anthem is a powerful symbol of their anger and disappointment.

As the trade war continues to escalate, it’s likely that tensions will only continue to rise. The booing of the national anthem is a reminder that sports, once a unifying force, can also be a reflection of the broader societal and political tensions. As the situation unfolds, it’s essential for leaders on both sides to find a way to de-escalate the conflict and find a resolution that benefits all parties involved. For now, the boos will continue to echo through the arenas, a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions that threaten to tear apart the relationship between two nations.