Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Canadians, claiming that a new trade agreement with China will result in the complete termination of ice hockey across the nation. In a lengthy and rambling 295-word post on his Truth Social platform, Trump asserted that Canada's national sport would be "terminated" by China as part of the deal.
Bizarre Claims and Trade Threats
Trump specifically targeted Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney, accusing him of "wanting to make a deal with China" that would have devastating consequences. "The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada," Trump declared in his social media rant. He further claimed that China would "permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup," the prestigious NHL trophy, though he provided no evidence or explanation for how this would occur.
Bridge Blockade Threat
During the same Truth Social post, Trump also threatened to block the opening of the $4.6 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects Windsor, Ontario with Detroit, Michigan. Construction on the bridge began in 2018 after approval from the Obama administration, and Trump himself had endorsed the project in a 2017 joint statement with then-Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
"I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve," Trump wrote. He criticized the Obama administration for "stupidly" agreeing to the bridge terms while omitting his own previous support for the project.
Escalating Trade Tensions
These latest comments come amid escalating trade tensions between the US and Canada. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on Canadian products in 2025, prompting Canada to pursue closer trading relationships with China. Last month, Prime Minister Carney signed a trade deal with China following these tariffs.
Trump has responded with increasingly aggressive rhetoric. In late January, following Canada's agreement to lower tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles in exchange for reduced import taxes on Canadian farm products, Trump threatened to impose 100% tariffs on all Canadian goods entering the United States.
Previous Threats Against Canada
This is not the first time Trump has targeted Canada in recent weeks. In May 2025, he suggested that Canada could become the "cherished 51st State" of the United States, claiming it would cost "ZERO DOLLARS" compared to remaining a separate nation. He has also warned that China would "eat Canada alive, completely devour it, including the destruction of their businesses, social fabric, and general way of life."
Broader International Context
The situation reflects broader turmoil in US foreign relations under Trump's influence. He has previously threatened tariffs on eight European countries, including the United Kingdom, if they opposed his proposed takeover of Greenland. Although he later walked back these threats, claiming to have agreed on "the framework of a future deal," the pattern of aggressive trade rhetoric continues.
Trump's latest comments about ice hockey elimination represent perhaps his most unusual claim yet regarding international trade negotiations. The statements have drawn attention for their lack of factual basis and dramatic language, highlighting the ongoing tensions between the United States and its northern neighbor as Canada seeks alternative trading partnerships in response to US protectionist policies.
