Anthem singer pulls surprise Trump protest before major Canada vs America game
The anthem singer who performed the Canadian anthem prior to the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game on Friday changed a lyric in “O Canada” as a response to US president Donald Trump's repeated remarks about making the country the 51st state.
Publicist Adam Gonshor in an email to The Associated Press confirmed Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyric from “in all of us command” to “that only us command" and confirmed Trump's 51st state comments were the reason why.
Kreviazuk also posted to her Instagram story the phrase “that only us command” written on her left hand with emojis of a Canadian flag and a flexed muscle.
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The NHL declined to comment on the situation.
Fans in Boston lightly booed the song, though it was soon drowned out by Kreviazuk's singing. The crowd in Montreal booed “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to US tournament games at Bell Centre last week, more vociferously before the team faced Canada.
Canadian anthem singer Chantal Kreviazuk. Twitter
Tensions have risen between the neighbours and longtime allies over the past several weeks as Trump since being inaugurated has suggested multiple times that Canada become the 51st US state, in relation to a trade dispute, and threatened a series of tariffs. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said that will never happen.
The subject of Canada becoming the 51st state was brought up Friday during a news conference with David McGuinty, Canada’s Public Safety Minister.
“Sounds like President Trump is worried about the outcome of the hockey game tonight,” McGuinty said.
“Canada is a sovereign and independent country. It has been for over 150 years and will remain so. This discussion of 51st state is a non-starter.”
The subject of Canada becoming the 51st state was brought up Thursday during a news conference with David McGuinty, Canada’s Public Safety Minister.
“Sounds like President Trump is worried about the outcome of the hockey game,” McGuinty said.
“Canada is a sovereign and independent country. It has been for over 150 years and will remain so. This discussion of 51st state is a non-starter.”
Trump called the US team prior to their morning skate to wish players luck in the game.
Players told reporters in Boston it was an honor to hear from him, with defenseman Noah Hanifin saying, “Hopefully we can get the win tonight for our country and for Trump.”
