Canadian Fans Boo US Anthem as Tariffs Ignite Nationalist Backlash

Canadian sports fans have expressed their frustration over newly imposed US tariffs by loudly booing the American national anthem at multiple events, signaling growing discontent with President Donald Trump’s economic measures.

The protests first erupted at a National Hockey League (NHL) game in Ottawa, where fans jeered throughout The Star-Spangled Banner before a matchup against a visiting US team. The sentiment carried over to a Toronto Raptors basketball game, where spectators drowned out a 15-year-old singer’s performance of the anthem with prolonged boos.

The reaction reflects mounting anger over Trump’s 25% tariffs on all Canadian imports—with a 10% levy on energy—set to take effect on Tuesday. The move threatens to disrupt trade between the two tightly connected economies, with economists warning it could push Canada into recession if the measures persist for months.

Adding fuel to the fire, Trump has revived his controversial call for Canada to become the 51st US state, a proposal that was initially dismissed as a joke but has now been repeated with serious intent.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed the nation on Saturday, urging citizens to stand together in response.

“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,” Trudeau declared.

The call for national solidarity has sparked a “Buy Canadian” movement. Social media users have begun circulating guides on avoiding US-made products, while a Toronto grocery store has started labeling Canadian-made yogurt to encourage local purchasing. Others have pledged to cancel travel to the US, further deepening the divide between the two allies.