President Donald Trump is stepping up to rally the USA hockey team with a morale-boosting phone call today. He aims to fire up the players before their high-stakes game against Canada tonight. The move comes as Trump also extended a surprising invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. He jokingly called him Governor Trudeau and asked him to watch the match together. This bold gesture underscores Trump’s knack for blending sports with politics. It also highlights his ongoing playful jab at Canada’s status as a potential 51st state. The game is set for 8 p.m. at TD Garden in Boston.
Trump’s call to the team is no small deal. It follows his pattern of engaging with American athletes to inspire victories. He posted on Truth Social about spurring the squad to triumph over Canada. He touted lower taxes and stronger security as perks if Canada joined the U.S. The president claimed he would chat with the players this morning. His goal is to pump them up for the 4 Nations Face-Off final. Team USA already beat Canada 3-1 in Montreal last Saturday. That game saw tensions flare with fights breaking out early.
The invitation to Trudeau adds a twist to the story. Trump suggested the prime minister join him and U.S. governors in Washington D.C. to watch the game. He noted he cannot attend in person due to a governors’ meeting. Still he plans to follow the action closely. Calling Trudeau Governor is a dig he has used before. It ties into his repeated pitch that Canada should become part of America. This rhetoric has irked Canadian leaders and fans alike. Booing of the U.S. anthem has become a trend at recent games.
Team USA players welcomed Trump’s outreach. General Manager Bill Guerin said the squad was thrilled to hear from the president. Players like Brock Nelson called it an honor to represent the country. They see the call as a cool moment to cherish. The team is riding high after their last win. Guerin had even urged Trump to attend the Boston game in person. While that won’t happen the phone pep talk keeps the momentum going. The players aim to make America proud tonight.
On the Canadian side Trudeau attended the Montreal game. He watched as his country’s fans jeered the Star-Spangled Banner. That loss stung and tonight’s rematch has extra weight. Trump’s 51st state comments have fueled the rivalry. He has pushed this idea since late 2024. It stems from trade gripes and border security concerns. Trudeau has fired back saying Canada will never join the U.S. The hockey clash now doubles as a proxy for this political sparring.
Trump’s involvement goes beyond hockey. He has hit sporting events like the Super Bowl and Daytona 500 this year. His presence often stirs reactions from fans and foes. The hockey call fits his style of boosting American pride. He frames Canada as a neighbor ripe for closer ties. Critics see it as meddling in a sovereign nation’s affairs. Supporters argue it’s just Trump being Trump. Either way it adds heat to an already fierce matchup.
The game itself promises intensity. The 4 Nations Face-Off pits top teams in a midseason showdown. USA and Canada have a storied rivalry on the ice. Last weekend’s brawls set the tone for tonight. Players expect a battle from the first puck drop. Trump’s cheerleading could give the U.S. an edge. Canada meanwhile will lean on homegrown grit to even the score. Fans on both sides are ready for a nail-biter.
Whatever the outcome Trump has made his mark. His call and Trudeau taunt ensure the game is more than just sport. It’s a stage for national pride and political gamesmanship. Win or lose he keeps the spotlight on American strength. For Canada it’s a chance to prove independence on the ice. The final buzzer will cap a day of drama. Hockey fans and political watchers alike won’t look away.
Coverage Details
| Total News Sources | 23 |
| Left | 4 |
| Right | 8 |
| Center | 6 |
| Unrated | 5 |
| Bias Distribution | 35% Right |
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