As tensions heat up between the United States and Canada, both politically and on the ice, former President Donald Trump has thrown his support behind Team USA ahead of their high-stakes showdown in the 4 Nations Face-Off final.
The game, set for Thursday night in Boston, has been eagerly anticipated, especially after a fiery round-robin clash between the two teams.
Trump Backs Team USA but Skips the Game
Despite his vocal support for the American squad, Trump, 78, confirmed that he won’t be attending the game in person.
The matchup at TD Garden will proceed without his presence, though Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was in attendance for last Saturday’s clash in Montreal.
Instead, Trump announced he will be cheering from Washington, D.C., where he is scheduled to speak at a governors’ event later that night.
A Rallying Call and an Unexpected Invitation
Taking to Truth Social, Trump shared that he will be making an early morning phone call to Team USA’s coach, Mike Sullivan, to offer words of encouragement.
However, what caught many off guard was his open invitation to Trudeau, whom he referred to as “Governor” in a not-so-subtle jab at Canada.
“I’ll be calling our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning 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,” Trump wrote.
He went on to say, “I will be speaking before the Governors tonight in D.C., and will sadly, therefore, be unable to attend.
But we will all be watching, and if Governor Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome.
Good luck to everybody, and have a GREAT game tonight. So exciting!”
Political Tensions Spill Over into Sports
Trump’s remarks come amid heightened tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have escalated due to trade disputes and his repeated jabs about annexation.
His latest comments, referring to Canada as the “51st state,” have only added fuel to the fire.
With the political backdrop already tense, Thursday’s game is shaping up to be more than just a battle for hockey supremacy—it’s another chapter in the ongoing friction between the two nations.
A Brutal First Encounter Sets the Stage
Saturday’s game in Montreal was anything but civil, setting the tone for what is expected to be an even fiercer rematch.
Team USA claimed a 3-1 victory, but the real story was the sheer physicality on display.
Just seconds into the game, players dropped the gloves, with three fights breaking out within the first nine seconds.
Matthew Tkachuk of Team USA squared off against Canada’s Brandon Hagel at the opening faceoff.
Just two seconds later, Matthew’s younger brother, Brady Tkachuk, took on Sam Bennett. Moments later, USA’s JT Miller exchanged blows with Canada’s Colton Parayko.
The hostile atmosphere wasn’t confined to the ice. Before the game even began, Canadian fans loudly booed “The Star-Spangled Banner,” further stoking the rivalry in front of a watching Trudeau.
Team USA Draws Motivation from the Political Climate
Following the heated encounter, USA Hockey’s general manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the added political tension surrounding the tournament.
Speaking on ‘America’s Newsroom,’ he noted that the team was using it as motivation.
“Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey,” Guerin said.
“I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it [last Saturday’s game]. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration.”
What’s Next for Team USA?
With Trump offering his support from a distance and political tensions at a boiling point, Team USA heads into the rematch ready for battle.
While they won’t have their former president in the stands, his words of encouragement may be just the boost they need.
As for whether Trudeau will take Trump up on his invitation? Highly unlikely.
But one thing is certain—Thursday night’s game is about more than just hockey.
It’s a collision of rivalry, pride, and political undertones, making it one of the most anticipated matchups of the year.