Danica Patrick fueled controversy with a sharp jab at Canada following their men’s hockey team’s overtime loss to Team USA at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Sharing her reaction on social media just as the American squad celebrated their gold medal, Patrick used her platform to stir conversation around the rivalry and the broader political themes that recently resurfaced between the two nations.
Patrick’s Social Media Post and the ‘51st State’ Comment
The NASCAR legend, now retired, wasted no time weighing in after Team USA’s historic 2-1 victory over Canada. On Sunday, she published an Instagram Story featuring a photo of the Canadian team donning their silver medals. Her caption sparked instant debate:
“If Canada had been smart and become the 51st State, they’d be gold medalists right now,”
Danica Patrick wrote, adding a tongue-in-cheek “Too soon?” underneath. This quip echoed the frustration many Canadian fans felt and amplified the longstanding sports rivalry.
Political Background: Donald Trump’s Previous 51st State Proposal
Patrick’s comment mirrored language used by former President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign, when he floated the notion of Canada joining the United States as its 51st state. Trump’s earlier remarks surfaced during a period of political upheaval, as Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau resigned and Mark Carney stepped in as his successor. Trump publicly speculated on the potential for economic and security benefits, writing:
“Many people in Canada LOVE being the 51st State. The United States can no longer suffer the massive Trade Deficits and Subsidies that Canada needs to stay afloat. Justin Trudeau knew this, and resigned,”
— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President.
In January 2025, Trump further outlined his idea:
“If Canada merged with the U.S. [sic], there would be no Tariffs, taxes would go way down, and they would be TOTALLY SECURE from the threat of the Russian and Chinese Ships that are constantly surrounding them. Together, what a great Nation it would be!!!”
— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President. The proposal came up again during Trump’s phone call with Mark Carney, who reported the topic being discussed shortly after assuming office.
Team USA’s Celebration and Political Interactions
Team USA basked in their first Olympic men’s hockey gold since 1980 by celebrating in style. The team made headlines with their festivities at Miami’s E11EVEN nightclub, where ESPN analyst Pat McAfee generously covered a $150,000 tab for their revelry. The celebratory tour continued as they made their way to the White House for a visit with President Trump, and some members later attended his State of the Union address in Washington, D.C.
The men’s hockey players drew both cheers and criticism after accepting Trump’s invitation and participating in a congratulatory phone call. The president quipped about potential political fallout if he neglected to include the U.S. women’s hockey champions:
“I believe I probably would be impeached.”
— Donald Trump, Former U.S. President.
The Ongoing U.S.-Canada Hockey Rivalry and Athlete Reactions
The gold-medal clash intensified the already fierce rivalry between the two North American hockey powerhouses. Jack Hughes, who netted the decisive goal for Team USA, joined his brother Quinn in reflecting on the camaraderie between the men’s and women’s teams:
“There’s been so much headlines about us and the women’s hockey team and the video, but we hung out — we were in the cafeteria with them until three in the morning,”
— Jack Hughes, U.S. Men’s Hockey Player. While the women’s team cited scheduling conflicts for declining the White House invitation, their bond with the men’s squad remained strong, with offers for further celebration extended by public figures such as Flavor Flav.
What Comes Next for Both Teams and the Broader Significance
Danica Patrick’s pointed remark reignited both sporting and political debates at a time when U.S.-Canada dynamics are under heightened scrutiny. The tension following the dramatic Olympic final, amplified by prominent figures from sports and politics, spotlights deep-rooted competition and ongoing conversation about North American identity. With Team USA breaking a decades-long gold medal drought and the discourse swirling around Patrick’s statement and Trump’s previous proposals, attention remains fixed on future encounters both on the rink and in broader public dialogue. Both hockey powerhouses now look ahead, eager to reclaim or defend supremacy at the next Winter Olympics.
