Canadian Fans Protest Trump Tariffs by Booing US Anthem “`

Clippers Raptors Basketball

TORONTO — At a Toronto Raptors game on Sunday, a growing trend of booing the American national anthem at Canadian sporting events continued.

Fans of the NBA’s only Canadian team jeered the anthem, echoing similar responses at NHL games in Ottawa and Calgary on Saturday, following President Trump’s announcement of import tariffs on Canada.

Initially cheering the 15-year-old singer, the crowd booed throughout “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A mix of boos and cheers followed, before the audience applauded “O Canada.”

Similar jeering greeted Agasha Mutesasira’s performance of the American anthem in Vancouver on Sunday night during the Canucks-Red Wings game.

When asked about the incident after the Raptors’ win against the Los Angeles Clippers, Canadian player Chris Boucher responded, “No, no, no. But have you ever seen us getting taxed like that?”

Trump declared an economic emergency on Saturday, imposing a 25% tax on imports from Canada and Mexico, and a 10% tax on Chinese imports. Energy imports from Canada will face a 10% tax.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Mexico’s president responded with retaliatory tariffs on American goods.

Toronto resident Joseph Chua, an importer directly affected by the tariffs, said he felt booing was inappropriate. He remained seated instead.

“I have American family and friends; we travel to America frequently, but I thought chanting ‘Canada’ would be more appropriate,” said Chua, wearing his Canada Basketball cap. “Usually I stand for both anthems, showing respect to the American one, but today, we feel bitter.”

“We’re already discussing which businesses are Canadian and American, and what to avoid. I’ll definitely try to avoid American groceries.”

While unusual, booing the U.S. national anthem in Canada isn’t unprecedented, particularly during significant world events. In the early 2000s, Canadian fans booed to protest the Iraq War.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard and Coach Tyronn Lue declined to comment on the booing.

However, Lue sang along to “O Canada,” stating he simply enjoys the song.

“I’ve heard it many times during playoffs here, so I know it by heart,” he said.