Staff Reports
President Trump knows how to spice things up, especially before a face-off between the U.S. and Canada. With the championship game of the 4 Nations Face-Off looming, where the American team will take on their hockey rivals, he couldn’t help but bring back his quirky proposal. That’s right; he hinted once again at making Canada the 51st state—because who wouldn’t want to add hockey-loving Maple Leafers to the union?
The former president took to his favorite platform, Truth Social, to rally the American team. He made a bold claim that Canada, with its “far lower taxes and much stronger security,” could soon be a vital part of the U.S. The juxtaposition was as clear as a Zamboni after the ice is cleaned: an American win would perhaps lead to Canadian statehood. Trump also juggled his busy schedule—missing the game to chat with governors in Washington—but still promised to cheer on the boys in Boston from afar.
In a stroke of political wit, Trump welcomed the departing Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, to join the governors in what could only be described as a very generous offer to sit alongside his American counterparts. After all, calling him “Governor Trudeau” was just too good of a jab to pass up. The former president’s enthusiasm was matched only by the sheer absurdity of the situation; hockey diplomacy at its finest.
Trump hypes USA to beat ‘51st state’ Canada in hockey finalhttps://t.co/x7Y9IH5ia4 pic.twitter.com/3ZG4XVuGLc
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 21, 2025
With a reigniting of tensions surrounding trade, it’s clear Trump is not just throwing pucks on the ice. He has made it no secret that if Canada and Mexico don’t buckle down on illegal immigration and drug trafficking, a hefty 25% tariff could be looming. While the neighboring countries managed to dodge this monetary bullet for a month by promising better enforcement (which some skeptics believe was just a pre-existing plan), Trump’s keen eye on border control continues to underscore the stakes involved.
As Prime Minister Trudeau was preparing to exit his role after a decade—presumably leaving his own “yes to statehood” dreams behind—Trump continued his playful nudging about Canada’s statehood aspirations. In the world of sports and national politics, Canadian fans have provided their own drama by booing the U.S. anthem, while American fans soaked in the victory of a tense game win. With events shaping hockey history and transcending beyond the rink, one thing is certain: wherever Mr. Trump goes, controversy and amusement follow in equal measure.
