President Donald Trump used Team USA‘s gold-medal victory over rival Canada in the women’s Olympic hockey final to take another swipe at America’s northern neighbor.
‘Down goes Canada again!’ read the message from Trump’s social media platform. ‘USA USA USA!’
Trump’s post included footage of Megan Keller’s overtime game winner at the end of the 2-1 victory. Team USA had trailed for most of the night, but captain Hilary Knight’s late equalizer forced overtime and allowed for the Americans’ eighth-consecutive win over rival Canada.
‘This team’s got so much resolve. Never quit. Always ready to fight and go to battle,’ Knight said after America’s third Olympic gold in women’s hockey.
‘It’s just a testament to the preparation of our group and the love that we have in that room, and the way we found a way to get the job done at the end of the night.’
Trump also congratulated American figure skater Alysa Liu on her ‘flawless gold medal performance,’ which he called, ‘just stunning.’
Megan Keller #5 and Aerin Frankel of Team USA react with their gold medals after the win
Thursday’s thrilling victory marked the third Olympic gold for Team USA in women’s hockey
President Donald Trump delighted in seeing Canada fall to the United States ‘again’
His latest swipe at Canada comes amid a trade war and after the President’s recent threats to block the opening of a bridge between the two countries.
Named for Detroit Red Wings legend and Canadian hockey icon Gordie Howe, the bridge was scheduled to open in early 2026, allowing for more commerce between Ontario and Michigan. The bridge was paid for by the Canadian government.
Despite this, Trump is demanding a litany of concession from Canada in exchange for opening the crossing to Canadian drivers.
‘The fact that Canada will control what crosses the Gordie Howe Bridge and owns the land on both sides is unacceptable to the president,’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters. ‘It’s also unacceptable that more of this bridge isn’t being built with more American-made materials.’
Team USA’s dramatic victory over Canada is the latest chapter in the ongoing feud between the two governments. Amid the trade war, Trump has repeatedly mused about making Canada America’s 51st state.
And the hockey drama may not be done. With the US men heading into a semifinal matchup with Slovakia and Canada playing Finland on Thursday, the two hockey rivals could meet again in the gold medal game on Sunday.
Italian media has reported that Trump could be in attendance if both the US and Canadian men reach the Olympic hockey finals in Milan.
Team Canada held a 1-0 lead until the final minutes of the third period on Thursday in Milan
Trump’s latest swipe at Canada comes amid a trade war and the President’s recent threats to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge between the two countries
The Canadian government paid for the bridge and named it after national hero, Gordie Howe
Named for Detroit Red Wings legend and Canadian hockey icon Gordie Howe, the bridge was scheduled to open in early 2026, allowing for more commerce between Ontario and Michigan
A US-Canada men’s final is a distinct possibility, but unlike the women’s bracket, where the Americans were heavy favorites, Équipe Canada is seen as the team to beat.
‘In my opinion, I think this is the best hockey team women’s hockey has ever seen,’ Kelly Pannek said, noting how the Americans overcame adversity against their fiercest rival.
‘I think that’s a part of being a champion, right?’ Pannek said. ‘We knew they were going to respond in the way that they do. And they gave us everything.’