Trump Motivates U.S. Hockey Team with Phone Call Ahead of 4 Nations Final
Boston, USA – President Donald Trump rallied the United States Hockey Team ahead of their high-stakes 4 Nations Face-Off Final against Canada on Thursday, delivering a personalized message via phone call. The video of the call, posted by Trump on X, showcases his trademark motivational style.
"You’re Really Talented, I Have Great Respect for Hockey Players"
"You guys are really talented. I have great respect for hockey players. I’m a hockey fan. I love hockey," Trump began, his words met with smiles and stoic expressions from the coaches and players.
Trump acknowledged the team’s exceptional skills, encouraging them to perform their best without succumbing to pressure. "The talent, the skill that you have is crazy. And just go out and have a good time tonight and I just want to wish you a lot of luck. You really are a skill group of people," he said.
No Pressure, Just Go Out and Win
Trump emphasized the honor he felt in addressing the team and reiterated his confidence in their abilities. "Its an honor to talk to you. And get out there, and there’s no pressure whatsoever. The players let out a light chuckle after Trump’s "no pressure" line.
Infusing his message with a patriotic sentiment, Trump concluded with a message of support for the players and the nation. "You just go out and have a good time. You’re going to win, and we love America. We love you guys. Well be watching tonight. Bring it home!" he said.
Heightened Stakes amid Hostilities
The stakes for Thursday’s game were amplified by recent physical confrontations between the teams during the tournament and geopolitical tensions between the two countries. The hostility began on February 13 when Canadian fans in Montreal booed the U.S. national anthem, a gesture stemming from President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on Canada and his suggestion that the country become America’s 51st state.
Brawls and National Anthem Controversy
On Saturday, the rivalry reached new heights when three fights broke out within the first nine seconds of a 4 Nations Face-Off game between the U.S. and Canada. The physical altercations continued in subsequent games, including the booing of the Canadian national anthem at TD Garden in Boston.
Trump’s Phone Call Inspires Team
Despite the heightened tension, the U.S. team maintained their focus, emerging victorious in their previous game against Canada. General Manager Bill Guerin acknowledged the combined effects of the booing, previous confrontations, and political tensions in fueling the team’s motivation.
"I think it was all of the above. Canada-U.S. is a huge rivalry in hockey," Guerin said. "I think there was a little bit of a political flare to it. It’s just the time that we’re in. I think our guys used that as inspiration."
Gratitude and Inspiration
Trump’s phone call resonated with the players, who expressed their gratitude on social media. J.T. Miller, Brock Nelson, and Matt Boldy shared messages of appreciation, acknowledging the President’s support and inspiration.
Conclusion
While President Trump was unable to attend the game in person, his motivational phone call provided a boost to the U.S. Hockey Team. The team’s performance in the championship game against Canada, which ended in a 3-2 overtime loss, showcased their determination and the impact of Trump’s message.
