Trump to call Team USA ahead of hockey match with Canada

President Trump, announcing his plans to call the U.S. men’s national ice hockey team ahead of its 4 Nations Face-Off final against Canada, once again invoked his proposal to merge with the U.S.'s northern neighbor.

“I’ll be calling our GREAT American Hockey Team this morning to spur them on towards victory tonight against Canada, which with FAR LOWER TAXES AND MUCH STRONGER SECURITY, will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished, and very important, Fifty First State,” Trump posted to Truth Social.

The president has doubled down on his desire to acquire Canada since Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced his decision to step down. Despite the push, officials in Canada have insisted they will not be joining the U.S.

Trump has also threatened Canada with a 25 percent tariff, which is currently on hold. Canada, along with Mexico, is one of the nation's biggest trading partners — and experts have warned that while the additional taxes on goods could hurt American consumers, both economies would suffer.

Still, Trudeau has held his ground saying Canada will "not back down" in the face of the threats. Trump has suggested in the past that merging the two countries would bring an end to all tariffs.

The president's comments Thursday came after Team USA invited him to the game in Boston. Trump, however, declined, saying in his post he’s “sadly” unable to attend because he will be speaking in front of the Republican governors in Washington.

“But we will all be watching, and if Governor Trudeau would like to join us, he would be most welcome,” Trump said, again giving a nod to his proposal.

Earlier this week, Fans at the U.S.-Canada hockey game in Montreal booed during the U.S. national anthem and three fights broke out within the first nine seconds of the game.

Because this tournament is played under NHL rules instead of International Ice Hockey Federation guidelines, it's the first time in decades that a fight broke out at an international hockey tournament game. The IIHF prohibits fighting in international events, including the Olympics.

“Good luck to everybody, and have a GREAT game tonight. So exciting!” the president added.

In a pre-game press conference, USA coach Mike Sullivan said it was a "great honor" to have Trump call his team. 

"I think, you know, politics aside, when the President of the United States takes the time to speak to our players, it's an incredible honor and I think it's an indication, once again, of ... the impact that this tournament has had on people in the United States," Sullivan said. 

— Updated at 12:48 p.m. EST