The White House has brutally mocked Justin Trudeau after the United States defeated Canada to claim men’s ice hockey gold at the Winter Olympics.
Team USA ended a 46-year Olympic gold drought with a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory, prompting a quick response from the White House social media account.
It posted an image of a bald eagle standing over a Canadian goose - a direct reference to a 2025 remark by Mr Trudeau.
“You can't take our country - and you can’t take our game,” the ex-PM had said after Canada beat the US 3-2 in overtime at the NHL’s Four Nations Face Off tournament.
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That competition, featuring Canada, the US, Finland and Sweden, took place amid rising political tensions between Ottawa and Washington.
Donald Trump had previously fuelled the rivalry by referring to Mr Trudeau as “governor”, floating the idea of Canada becoming America’s “51st state”, and threatening tariffs.
But at the Winter Olympics, it was Team USA who prevailed.
The golden goal came just over a minute into overtime from Jack Hughes - the New Jersey Devils star notably missing his two front teeth.
The White House posted an image of a bald eagle standing over a Canadian goose
| WHITE HOUSE
Justin Trudeau made his original remarks after last year's Four Nations Face Off
|GETTY
After scoring, Hughes said: “This is all about our country right now. I love the USA.
“I’m so proud to be American today. I love my country, I love my teammates. That’s American hockey right there. That’s a great Canadian team, but this means so much. We are such a team.
“The USA brotherhood in this team is so strong, so much support from ex-players. I cannot believe this. It could have gone either way tonight.”
The team later received a congratulatory phone call from Mr Trump.
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Donald Trump praised Team USA, after fanning the flames during last year's tournament | REUTERS
Jack Hughes, missing teeth, celebrating after Team USA's gold medal win | REUTERSCoach Mike Sullivan said: “He just spoke to the group expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win. Obviously this game in a lot of ways was an inspiration to our country.
“I can’t tell you how many texts I’ve received over the last day or so about watch parties at 8 in the morning.
“I think from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention, the president included.”
Mr Trump later posted: “Congratulations to our great USA Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!”
Vice President JD Vance also piled on praise for the goalscorer.
“Heart full of pride for his country and a few front teeth gone missing. That’s American hockey right there.
“Congratulations to Jack and everyone on Team USA for bringing home the gold.”
The NHL had previously barred its players from Olympic participation, but this year reversed its stance, allowing stars to compete following pressure from players including Alexander Ovechkin.
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