Canadian men’s football coach Jesse Marsch blasted President Donald Trump for his “51st State” remarks and called them “insulting.”
Marsch, a native in Wisconsin, who played for Team USA in the early 2000s, was named Team Canada’s men’s football coach in 2024.
During the Concacaf Nations League Media Day on Wednesday, Marsch did not hold back his opinion of Trump’s comments and said he was “ashamed” of how Canada was referred to by the president.
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Canadian men’s national team head coach Jesse Marsch Field’s question under the Major League Soccer Media Day at the Miami Beach Convention Center. (Jeff Swinger/Imag- Pictures)
“As an American, I would like to address the discourse ’51st State’, which I think is disturbing and honestly insulting,” Marsch told journalists. “Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deeply rooted in decency. It is a place that appreciates high ethics and respect as opposed to the polarized, disrespectful and now often hatred -driven climate that is in the US
“Canada appreciates a lot of justice and unity. It’s a place I’ve learned, like national team coach, where people really think their differences make them stronger, and frankly it’s one of the things I’ve had most about our team.
“They exemplify this as human beings and as a team. They are almost all first and second generation of Canadians who come from different heritage and cultures. But they are uniquely proud to be Canadian, to represent their country, to give everything to each other and the love they have for each other and play for their country.”
There have been tensions between the United States and Canada in weeks after Trump referred to Canada as the 51st state and to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “Governor.”
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Trump also recently announced duty against Canada, Mexico and China. Trump accepted February 3 to set customs duties for 30 days, which means they are expected to be imposed in early March. The tariffs imposed on Canada from Trump are in response to drug trafficking at the US-Canadian border.
Late last week, Trump and Trudeau talked about a number of questions, and the White House released a statement that the two leaders discussed 4 Nations Face-off Hockey Tournament, which first added to the excitement after Canadians lived the US national anthem.
Justin Trudeau and Donald Trump had a recent phone call according to the White House. (Getty Images)
Team Canada defeated Team USA in overtime to win the initial hockey tournament in Boston. Before the puck was dropped in this championship game, the Canadian Hymn -singer changed the lyrics to protest Trump.
Marsch ended his statement with a message to Trump.
“If I have a message to our president, it is dismissed the ridiculous rhetoric that Canada is the 51st state,” said Marsch. “As an American, I’m ashamed of arrogance and ignoring, we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies. But one thing is definitely when I look forward to one month from now, this will burn our team. The mentality we have, we will play for our country.
Canadian men’s national football coach Jesse Marsch, an American, ripped President Trump for his “51st State” rhetoric of Canada. (IMagn)
“The wish we have to go after this tournament in every way and show on and off the field exactly what the Canadian character is.”
Canada plays Mexico March 20 in Concacaf Nations League semi -final, while Team USA will take on Panama the same day.
