Triumph’s Rik Emmett criticizes Republicans and defends Canada

Since Donald Trump started his second term, he has been raising tariffs against Canada and saying that the country should become the United States’ 51st state. This crazy idea is obviously not making Canadians happy, and the relationship between them and Americans is not as good as it used to be anymore. Triumph guitarist Rik Emmett criticized, in an interview with Nestor Aparicio, the offensive way American Republicans are behaving and defended Canada.

Triumph’s Rik Emmett criticizes Republicans and defends Canada

“You know what?! I tell you this: of all the places that I would maybe go, that was always a great place to play (Rams Head Tavern in Annapolis, Maryland). I loved that venue, loved just the feel of it. It was a nice place to play. And there’s videos on YouTube you can find of moments at the Rams Head. I still have a t-shirt somewhere, a Rams Head t-shirt.

“But honestly, and not to end on a down note, but because of all of the B.S. that’s going on now between America and Canada, and the guy that you guys decided to elect as president.”

“Wear that (MAGA) hat, buddy — just make sure you’re wearing that hat — because there are gonna be people that are walking around out… Like (Comedian) Mike Myers on ‘Saturday Night Live’ was talking about ‘elbows up’ (as a rallying cry among Canadians in response to President Donald Trump’s recent threats against the essential ally), like (Canadian hockey legend) Gordie Howe, we’re gonna be defensive now. The Republicans in your country are offensive people, and they’re being offensive to the rest of the world.”

He continued:

“I love the fact that there are Americans that don’t agree with that, but we are gonna be defensive. And yes, your (Baltimore) Orioles (baseball team) are gonna get a little bit of that (when they play the Toronto Blue Jays this week). They might hear some booing of your national anthem and stuff.

“It’s not that I don’t love what America stands for. The greatest part of my career happened because of the support of Americans. They’re still the largest amount of fans that I have. But whatever happened to the America of Lady Liberty? Whatever happened to the America that had an open mind and an open heart and open arms?”

“Like, come on! That’s a thing that’s — it’s gone now, and it’s something to regret. So I’m just telling you, if somebody’s got their elbows up, you just have to go, ‘Yeah. Okay. I’m sorry.’ Wear a little maple leaf over your heart. You’ll be fine. (Laughs)” Rik Emmett said (Transcribed by Blabbermouth).

The Canadian power trio Triumph was formed in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada back in 1975, being active until 1993, reuniting in 2008 and 2019. Some of their most famous songs are “Lay It On The Line”, “Magic Power”, “Fight The Good Fight” and “World of Fantasy”.