Trump rallies Team USA, invokes '51st state' amid Canada tensions

Ahead of the 4 Nations championship final between the United States and Canada, President Donald Trump called Team USA to wish them luck, intertwining sports with political commentary. Despite players expressing a desire to keep the tournament free of politics, Trump's comments included references to making Canada the '51st state,' which has heightened the political atmosphere surrounding the event. Players like Brock Nelson and Zach Werenski acknowledged the significance of the call but noted it strayed into personal anecdotes rather than focusing on hockey. The match follows a heated round-robin game where tensions flared, evidenced by Canadian fans booing the U.S. national anthem. Trump's absence from the game, where he had been invited to attend, was confirmed alongside his invitation to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. This rivalry has captivated hockey fans internationally and has been exacerbated by ongoing political tensions, including tariffs against Canada.