Quebec Premier Expresses Bewilderment Over Trump's Hockey Warning
Quebec Premier François Legault appeared genuinely baffled on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, following U.S. President Donald Trump's extraordinary claim that Canada's trade agreements with China would result in the complete cessation of ice hockey across the nation and the elimination of the prestigious Stanley Cup.
Trump's Social Media Post Sparks Confusion
The controversial hockey warning was included in a statement Trump posted on Monday on his social media platform, Truth Social. In his message, the former president threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge, a $4 billion infrastructure project fully funded by Canada that connects Detroit with Windsor and is scheduled to open imminently.
Trump has been increasingly critical of Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for negotiating trade deals with China. In his post, he claimed these agreements would "harm Canada" and somehow "kill all ice hockey being played in Canada." The message read, "Prime Minister Carney wants to make a deal with China — which will eat Canada alive. We'll just get the leftovers! I don't think so. The first thing China will do is terminate ALL Ice Hockey being played in Canada, and permanently eliminate The Stanley Cup."
Legault's Cautious Yet Perplexed Response
When questioned about Trump's assertion during a news conference in Montreal, Premier Legault admitted his confusion but emphasized the need for careful diplomacy in responding to such statements. "Sometimes we think (what Trump says) doesn't make sense, but sometimes he insists, so we have to be careful," Legault told reporters in English. "But at the same time of course I don't see why and how we can stop the Stanley Cup in Canada."
Asked to elaborate in French, Legault added, "Listen: it is surprising. I don't understand why he is doing that and I don't know how he could do that. I don't see how or why we would stop having the Stanley Cup in Canada." The premier's remarks highlight the ongoing challenge Canadian officials face when addressing unconventional claims from south of the border.
Broader Context of Trump's Bridge Complaints
Trump's social media post extended beyond hockey, complaining that the Gordie Howe Bridge was constructed with "virtually no U.S. content" and criticizing tariffs Canada imposes on American dairy products. He declared, "I will not allow this bridge to open until the United States is fully compensated for everything we have given them, and also, importantly, Canada treats the United States with the Fairness and Respect that we deserve. We will start negotiations, IMMEDIATELY. With all that we have given them, we should own, perhaps, at least one half of this asset."
According to reports from the CBC, Prime Minister Carney spoke with Trump early Tuesday morning to clarify several factual inaccuracies. Carney reminded the president that Canada fully financed the bridge project and that Michigan holds partial ownership. He also corrected Trump's assertion about construction materials, noting that both Canadian and American workers built the structure using steel sourced from both nations.
This incident underscores the delicate nature of Canada-U.S. relations, particularly regarding trade and infrastructure projects. While Premier Legault's bewilderment reflects a common sentiment among Canadian political observers, his cautious approach demonstrates the careful balancing act required when addressing statements from influential international figures.
