Canadian hockey fans boo U.S. national anthem in protest of Trump tariffs at Ottawa Senators game

At a sold-out Ottawa Senators game on Saturday, Canadian hockey fans voiced their discontent over newly imposed U.S. tariffs by booing the American national anthem. The protest followed former U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of increased tariffs on Canadian, Mexican, and Chinese imports, sparking backlash across Canada.

Trump’s announcement included a 25% tariff on Canadian and Mexican imports and a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, citing concerns over illegal immigration and the fentanyl crisis. The measures, set to take effect on Tuesday, have fueled widespread criticism. Some commentators noted that such public protests against the U.S. anthem are rare, drawing comparisons to similar incidents during the Iraq War.

In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory measures, imposing a 25% tariff on $155 billion worth of U.S. imports. He encouraged Canadians to prioritize local products and consider domestic travel over visits to the U.S. Trudeau also stated that he would be engaging in discussions with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to coordinate further actions.

The unusual demonstration at the hockey game highlights the growing frustration among Canadians regarding U.S. trade policies. While political disputes between the two nations are not uncommon, public displays of discontent at sporting events remain an exceptional occurrence.