Canadian Hockey Fans Boo U.S. Anthem in Ottawa Amid Backlash Over New Tariffs

A tense atmosphere filled the Canadian Tire Centre in Ottawa on Saturday night as Canadian hockey fans voiced their frustration over new US tariffs by booing the American national anthem before an NHL game.

Jeers erupted as the “Star-Spangled Banner” played ahead of the Ottawa Senators’ matchup against the Minnesota Wild, marking a rare display of political protest in the hockey arena. The reaction came just hours after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on Canadian imports, intensifying an already strained trade relationship between the two nations.

Before the US anthem, Canadian artist Mandia performed “O Canada,” which was received with enthusiasm from the crowd, as is customary at NHL games. However, as soon as the American anthem began, boos and jeers broke out among the fans, reflecting the growing discontent with the Trump administration’s economic policies.

The hostility in the arena mirrored a broader frustration across Canada after Trump’s latest tariff announcement. The new tariffs, also imposed on Mexican goods, were introduced as part of Trump’s effort to pressure both neighboring countries to tighten border controls to curb illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Additionally, the US leader announced a 10% tariff on Chinese imports, further escalating global trade tensions.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wasted no time in retaliating, hitting back with economic measures of his own. “Tonight, I am announcing Canada will be responding to the US trade actions, with 25% tariffs against $155 billion worth of American goods,” Trudeau declared at a news conference following an emergency meeting with Canada’s provincial premiers.

The counter-tariffs are aimed at a wide range of American products entering Canada, a move that could have significant economic repercussions on both sides of the border. While Trudeau emphasized that Canada remained open to diplomatic negotiations, he made it clear that the country would not be backing down in the face of what he described as unfair trade policies.

The NHL has historically been a platform where politics rarely take center stage, but Saturday’s anthem protest highlighted the deep frustrations among Canadians. Fans, who typically reserve their cheers and jeers for the on-ice action, used the moment to send a clear message of discontent.

The incident in Ottawa is reminiscent of similar politically charged moments in sports arenas worldwide, where national anthems have often become a focal point for public sentiment. In this case, the boos served as a loud and clear rejection of the escalating trade war and the economic strain it could bring to Canadian industries and consumers.

With tensions running high, it remains to be seen whether these economic disputes will be resolved through diplomatic efforts or if further retaliatory measures will follow. One thing is certain Canadian hockey fans made their stance known loud and clear on Saturday night.