Vancouver Canucks fans boo U.S. national anthem following Trump tariffs

Fans boo as the U.S. national anthem is sung before the Vancouver Canucks and Detroit Red Wings play an NHL hockey game in Vancouver, B.C., Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

Hockey fans at Rogers Arena in Vancouver booed the American national anthem Sunday as a trade war brews between the close neighbours.

As soon as singer Agasha Mutesasira began the Star-Spangled Banner, loud boos could be heard from the crowd throughout the song, though there was clapping and cheering when she finished.

When Mutesasira started singing O Canada, the stands erupted in cheer and fans sang along with enthusiasm.

The booing ahead of the Canucks match against the Detroit Red Wings continues a trend that has emerged at games between the two countries in the aftermath of U.S. President Donald Trump’s move to impose sweeping tariffs on trade partners.

Trump signed the executive order Saturday to hit Canada with 25 per cent tariffs on all imports save for energy, which will be taxed at 10 per cent. The blanket 25 per cent duty also applies to Mexican goods.

Read more: Live updates: After launching trade war, Trump says he will speak with Trudeau on Monday morning

The tariffs are expected to come into effect on Tuesday, a move provincial and federal leaders have said will devastate the Canadian economy.

Canada was quick to retaliate, slapping the same tariff on $155 billion worth of American products, including clothing, alcoholic drinks and motorcycles.

American booze was pulled off government liquor store shelves across British Columbia Sunday after Premier David Eby ordered BC Liquor to stop buying spirits from Republican states.

The display of defiance has taken place at a number of sporting events since the announcement, including at NHL games in Ottawa and Calgary Saturday, and a Toronto Raptors match Sunday.