Donald Trump, Olympics, and Hockey: A Rivalry That Extends Beyond the Ice
The recent gold medal victory of the U.S. men’s hockey team at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics 2026 has sparked a political firestorm, fueled by provocative statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The win over Canada wasn’t just a sporting triumph; it became another battleground in the increasingly strained relationship between the two nations.
A Politically Charged Celebration
The White House celebrated the 2-1 sudden-death overtime win with a social media post featuring a bald eagle seemingly dominating a goose – symbolic representations of the United States and Canada, respectively. This image drew criticism, particularly in light of a 2025 post by former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, stating, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” following a Canadian victory at the 4 Nations Face-Off hockey tournament. Trudeau’s statement came during a period when Trump was openly suggesting Canada should become the 51st state of the U.S.
While Canadian politicians largely refrained from direct comment, observers and journalists were quick to condemn the tone of the White House’s post. Stewart Prest, a political science professor at the University of British Columbia, succinctly stated, “Stay classy, America.” Journalist David Rider highlighted the potential economic repercussions, suggesting a decline in Canadian tourism to the U.S. as a result of Trump’s gloating.
Trump’s Reaction and Escalating Tensions
Trump himself took to his Truth Social platform to exclaim, “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! LOTS OF WINNING!!! President DONALD J. TRUMP.” This victory arrives amidst months of growing political friction. Since his election in 2024, Trump has repeatedly floated the idea of annexing Canada, a proposal met with widespread condemnation from Canadian leaders.
Throughout the past year, Trump has imposed or threatened additional tariffs on Canadian imports, citing the U.S. trade deficit. Most recently, he threatened a 100 percent tariff on Canadian goods in response to Ottawa’s trade deal with Beijing. These actions demonstrate a clear shift in the traditionally close relationship between the two countries.
Global Concerns and Canadian Response
At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a pointed critique of the current global order, implicitly referencing Trump’s policies. He argued that the long-standing “bargain” of accepting U.S. hegemony in exchange for global public goods is no longer sustainable. Carney warned of a “rupture, not a transition,” highlighting the dangers of economic coercion and the weaponization of trade.
Carney expressed pride in Canada’s Olympic performance, stating, “You’re coming home with 21 hard-fought Olympic medals…Though what Canadians will remember most is how you wore the Maple Leaf: with pride, with grit, and with determination.”
Controversial Reactions and Ongoing Disputes
The situation was further complicated by controversial statements from U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, who sparked outrage with a post questioning whether the Jewish heritage of the goal-scorer was a factor in the victory. Additionally, Congressman Randy Fine, a Trump ally, referred to Carney as “Governor,” seemingly disregarding Canada’s sovereignty. This echoes Trump’s past habit of addressing Trudeau as “governor.”
The hockey game, traditionally a source of friendly rivalry, has become a symbol of the broader political tensions between the U.S. and Canada under the Trump administration. The future of the relationship remains uncertain as these disputes continue to unfold.
Learn more about US-Canada relations: Council on Foreign Relations – U.S.-Canada Relations
