A growing wave of discontent over U.S. trade policies spilled into the sports arena Sunday night as Toronto Raptors fans loudly booed the American national anthem before their matchup against the LA Clippers.
The backlash comes just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs on Canadian imports, triggering swift retaliation from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Similar reactions erupted at NHL games in Ottawa and Calgary on Saturday, marking a rare but significant display of political protest in Canadian sports.
Initially, Raptors fans applauded the 15-year-old singer performing The Star-Spangled Banner, but as the anthem progressed, boos filled Scotiabank Arena. The jeers were followed by a thunderous ovation for O Canada, underscoring the intensifying frustration among Canadians.
The protest comes in the wake of Trump’s declaration of an economic emergency, imposing a 25% tariff on Canadian imports—excluding energy, which faces a 10% levy. The move has drawn sharp criticism from Canadian officials, with Trudeau vowing to counter the measures with retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.
This is not the first time Canadian sports fans have expressed disapproval of U.S. policies through anthem protests. In the early 2000s, similar incidents occurred in response to the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. However, such reactions remain relatively rare, making Sunday’s display particularly noteworthy.
With tensions escalating, the trend may not stop here. The Vancouver Canucks are set to host the Detroit Red Wings later Sunday, leaving many wondering if another crowd will make its stance heard.
As the trade dispute deepens, the impact is being felt far beyond boardrooms and political speeches—reaching the heart of Canada’s passionate sports culture.