U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) is being criticized for mocking Canada as she congratulated the USA men’s hockey team for winning a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina. USA beat Canada in the final game, 2-1.
The MAGA-aligned Senator, who is running for Governor in Tennessee, wrote: “Congratulations to the U.S. men’s hockey team on taking home the gold! To our friends in Canada, there’s still time to join us as the 51st state and call the gold yours as well.”
[Blackburn’s comment echoes President Donald Trump‘s repeated suggestion that Canada, a top target in Trump’s tariff-based trade wars, should become the 51st state. In response, Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney has firmly rejected the idea and has repeatedly emphasized that Canada is a sovereign, independent country.]
Tennessee state senator Heidi Campbell, a Democrat, responded to Blackburn’s post: “Tennessee is a pro-business state. We don’t need a Senator or Governor who jeopardizes that- 50% of our tourist income (2nd largest revenue base) comes from Canada. Marsha’s bad manners may have worked in her home state of MS, but they don’t work here!”
Tennessee is a pro-business state. We don’t need a Senator or Governor who jeopardizes that- 50% of our tourist income (2nd largest revenue base) comes from Canada. Marsha’s bad manners may have worked in her home state of MS, but they don’t work here! @Jerri_M_Green pic.twitter.com/gPvnWVQ1Wy
— Senator Heidi Campbell (@Campbell4TN) February 24, 2026
[Note: Campbell’s geography snark — “her home state of MS” — refers to the longtime Tennessee resident Blackburn’s birthplace and her matriculation at Mississippi State University. Campbell attended Vanderbilt University in Nashville.]
According to data from the Tennessee Vacation Industry, Canada is Tennessee’s top international tourism market: “With 147 million total visitors in 2024, international tourists (led by Canada) contribute to the $31.66 billion in direct visitor spending in Tennessee.”
In her post, state senator Campbell tagged Memphis City Council Member Jerri Green, one of Blackburn’s Democratic opponents in the gubernatorial race.