Toronto Raptors fans made headlines this weekend as they booed the American national anthem during a game against the Los Angeles Clippers, continuing a growing trend observed in several Canadian sporting events. This occurred just hours after President Donald Trump announced import tariffs on Canada, rekindling tensions between the countries.

The boos followed a similar incident at NHL games in Ottawa and Calgary the previous night, where fans expressed their dissent following Trump’s tariff declaration, which imposed a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tax on energy imports from Canada. Raptors fans began by cheering for the young female singer but quickly turned to booing throughout her rendition of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the booing, the crowd erupted in applause for “O Canada,” highlighting a palpable shift in sentiment against U.S. actions. Raptors forward Chris Boucher remarked, “No, no, no. But have you ever seen us getting taxed like that?” reflecting on the collective frustration among Canadians regarding the tariffs.

Joseph Chua, a Toronto resident and game attendee, indicated he would be feeling the impacts of the tariffs in his work as an importer. However, he felt that booing the anthem was not necessarily the right approach, opting instead to remain seated. “I thought chanting, ‘Canada,’ would be a more appropriate stance,” said Chua. “I usually stand for both anthems, but today we're feeling a little bitter about things.” His sentiments echoed a broader discontent, as several attendees have begun contemplating which products to avoid from the U.S. when shopping.

The act of booing the American national anthem is rare in Canada but not without precedent, often reserved for moments of public sentiment against U.S. policies, like during the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq in the early 2000s. As the NHL’s Canucks faced the Detroit Red Wings in Vancouver later that evening, similar reactions erupted when a singer began “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Coinciding with the rising tensions, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced retaliatory tariffs, further complicating cross-border relations.

Sports commentators have noted that while booing the anthem may create headlines, many fans still hold deep personal connections across the border, making this act a complex blend of sportsmanship and political expression.