Canada's foreign minister offers blunt explanation for national anthem booing: 'We're insulted'

NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman discusses with Craig Carton, Danny Parkins and Mark Schlereth the fiery matchup between the U.S. and Canada, including the booing of the U.S. national anthem.

Tensions between the United States and Canada took center stage at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament, and, according to Canada's foreign minister, it’s for good reason. 

The political rift between the two countries first began at an NHL game Feb. 1 when Ottawa Senators fans booed "The Star-Spangled Banner." 

Toronto Raptors fans followed suit the next day, but the controversy reached another level at the hockey tournament when the booing drew national attention.

Sidney Crosby (87), Brandon Hagel (38) and their Team Canada teammates stand at their bench during pregame ceremonies before the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game against the United States at TD Garden Feb. 20, 2025, in Boston.  (Brian Babineau/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

Canadian fans booing the American national anthem seemed to be a response to President Donald Trump’s talk of tariffs and turning Canada into the 51st state. 

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After Canada’s win over Team USA, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau fired off a post on social media addressing the controversy: "You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game."

The booing has continued at sporting events, with New York Rangers fans booing the Canadian anthem during a home game against the Toronto Maple Leafs Friday.

With Trump’s tariffs going into effect this week, hockey fans from Canada are expected to continue taking digs at games, according to Mélanie Joly, Canada's foreign minister.

Players and fans stand for the U.S. national anthem before the first