Canadian Fans Continue to Boo US National Anthem Despite Tariff Pause

Despite the announcement of a pause on tariffs by US President Donald Trump, Canadian fans continued to voice their displeasure by booing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before NBA and NHL games on Tuesday, CNN reports.

The US national anthem was met with boos at Rogers Arena in Vancouver prior to the Vancouver Canucks’ 3-0 victory over the Colorado Avalanche, according to the Associated Press. While the boos were prominent, the crowd transitioned to cheers as singer Elizabeth Irving concluded the anthem, and those cheers amplified with her rendition of “O Canada.”

President Trump had announced the tariffs, including a 25% duty on most imports from Canada and all imports from Mexico, as well as a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, on Saturday, raising concerns about significant price increases for American consumers.

On Monday, just hours before the tariffs were scheduled to take effect, Trump agreed to a one-month pause on tariffs for Canada and Mexico. This decision came after discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, both of whom committed to enhancing security along their respective borders with the US.

In Toronto, many Raptors fans continued to boo the US national anthem before the team’s 115-121 loss to the New York Knicks. Although the boos were reportedly less intense compared to those heard before Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Clippers, “O Canada” received enthusiastic cheers, especially during the line “True North strong and free!”

Similar expressions of discontent were heard before the NHL game between the Winnipeg Jets and the Carolina Hurricanes. While the boos were relatively subdued, they increased in volume as the anthem progressed. The Winnipeg Jets ultimately won the game 3-0, securing their seventh consecutive victory.