Auston Matthews Faces Boos in Montreal as Team USA Captain, Reacts to Criticism Over His Support for Trump and Elon Musk

Auston Matthews Faces Boos in Montreal as Team USA Captain, Reacts to Criticism Over His Support for Trump and Elon Musk

Auston Matthews, the captain of Team USA at the most recent international hockey showdown, found himself facing a cascade of boos from the Montreal crowd as his team took to the ice. The boos, loud and persistent, came as a sharp reminder that Matthews’ presence is not universally welcomed in certain parts of Canada, despite his immense success on the ice as one of the NHL’s most talented and recognizable players.

While it’s not uncommon for opposing players to hear jeers from passionate fans during international tournaments, Matthews’ reaction to the situation added fuel to an already charged atmosphere. When asked about the crowd’s hostility post-game, Matthews did not hold back. With the candidness he’s known for, the American forward shrugged off the negative reception and offered an unapologetic response: “I get booed everywhere in Canada except Toronto. I am a strong Trump supporter, I like what he’s doing, so…”

The comment sparked immediate reactions from fans and media alike. For some, it was Matthews’ unabashed support for former U.S. President Donald Trump that could be seen as a key factor behind the boos he received in Montreal. The Canadian political and cultural climate, known for its generally liberal leanings, can make Matthews’ outspoken political affiliations a contentious issue. His admiration for Elon Musk, a similarly polarizing figure, has further contributed to the perception of Matthews as a controversial figure off the ice.

The connection between Matthews’ political leanings and the crowd’s jeering is not a simple one, though. While it’s clear that his support for Trump—who remains a divisive figure both in the U.S. and internationally—has likely contributed to the unwelcoming environment in Montreal, it’s also worth considering the deep-rooted rivalry between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs. Matthews, the face of Toronto’s NHL team, is already accustomed to the hostile reception he receives from rival cities, particularly Montreal, where hockey passion runs deep and often extends beyond just the game itself.

When asked if his political views had anything to do with the reaction, Matthews didn’t seem to think so. “I’m not surprised. It’s the nature of the game. You get booed because of the jersey you wear, not because of your personal beliefs,” he said. “I’ve always been someone who speaks my mind, and that won’t change.”

While Matthews’ political views are certainly one piece of the puzzle, it’s important to recognize that the boos he faces could stem from a broader set of factors, including his status as a high-profile American player competing against Canada’s national pride in Montreal. International rivalries in sports often create an environment where any perceived slight—whether political or not—can become amplified.

Despite the negative reception, Matthews remains unfazed, even embracing the energy the crowd brings. “At the end of the day, you can’t please everyone. I’m focused on doing my job for Team USA, and that’s what matters most,” he concluded.

For now, the boos in Montreal are just another chapter in Matthews’ career, one that will surely continue to be filled with passionate fans—both for and against him—across the globe. Whether or not his political affiliations contribute to the boos, Matthews has made it clear that he will remain true to himself, no matter the reception.