During the championship of the NHL’s 4 Nations Face Off Title, a controversial lyric change was made during a performance of the Canadian national anthem.
Singer Chantal Kreviazuk changed the lyrics of “O Canada” to protest President Trump and his recent rhetoric about Canada possibly becoming the “51st state.” The Associated Press reports that Kreviazuk changed the lyric “in all of us command” to “that only us command.”
President Trump has called Canada a “51st state” several times. In a Truth Social post prior to the February 20 match, Trump called on the U.S. Hockey team to victory. He then said Canada, “with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State.”
Kreviazuk told the Associated Press that she changed the lyric because she believes in democracy.
“A sovereign nation should not have to be defending itself against tyranny and fascism,” she said.
Kreviazuk also wrote the phrase “that only us command” on her hand, even posting it on her Instagram. Her purpose for doing so was to inspire herself and others.
The championship game was held at Boston’s TD Garden. Many Canadian fans in attendance booed when the Star Spangled Banner was performed.
Canada ultimately won the match in overtime by a score of 3-2.
Trudeau took to X.com to make fun of the U.S. and the President after the win:
Trudeau makes this statement boldly. The U.S., throughout the tournament, scored more overall goals than Canada and beat them in a prior match 3-1 without going into overtime. The series between both teams was split 1-1, even though Canada won the championship.
