Gold, politics and backlash: Olympic hockey heroes split over Trump White House visit
What began as a celebration of a historic Olympic victory quickly spilled into a wider political debate.
According to The Denver Post and The Hockey News, President Donald Trump invited the newly crowned champions to Washington following their gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. During his remarks, Trump joked about inviting the US women’s hockey team as well, saying, "I do believe I probably would be impeached" if he failed to invite them aswell. The comment drew laughter from members of the men’s team in attendance, but critics online described it as a "misogynistic disgusting a** joke."
The reaction intensified after reports that FBI Director Kash Patel had joined the team in the locker room shortly after Jack Hughes scored the overtime goal that sealed a 2,1 victory over Canada in the gold medal game.
The presence of a senior federal law enforcement official in the locker room surprised some observers and fueled debate on social media, particularly given the already heightened political atmosphere surrounding the team’s subsequent White House appearance. There has been no indication of any formal role for Patel in the event beyond offering congratulations, but his appearance added to the broader discussion about politics intersecting with sport during the team’s celebrations.
Historic win meets political backlash
The United States captured its first Olympic gold medal in men’s hockey since 1980, and only its third ever, following victories in 1960 and 1980. Brock Nelson has personal ties to both previous championship teams. His Uncle Dave Christian played on the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” squad, while his Grandfather Bill Christian and Great Uncle Roger Christian were members of the 1960 team.
Speaking to The Denver Post before Colorado’s game against the Utah Mammoth, Nelson described the experience as unforgettable.
"Unbelievable, hard to describe everything, the excitement and the emotions," Nelson said. "Just a great time. So many good stories. … It’s something I’ll remember forever. A great group of guys. To be a part of history is fun."
He added that he had FaceTimed his Grandfather after the win. "I FaceTimed him. He was emotional. It was a quick one. He was just at our winter house with some of my family. It was just super fun to see him, see his emotion and share that."
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Yet the celebrations were quickly overshadowed by debate surrounding the White House visit.
Tight nhl schedule forces tough choices
Several players said the timing of the invitation conflicted with club responsibilities as the NHL season resumed.
Forward Kyle Connor returned to Winnipeg to prepare for the Jets’ matchup against the Vancouver Canucks. He said, "It's a quick turnaround. I haven't been playing so I wanted to get a practice under me and be ready."
Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger also opted to prioritize training and family. He said, "Getting invited to the White House is a tremendous honor. I’ve basically been living in Italy for a month. I wasn’t playing much.
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"I wanted to get back and get my game ready to go. I also have a 3-month-old baby at home that I’ve been traveling the world with, so that’s what went into that.
"I think those guys had a great time there [at the White House], but that’s why I didn’t go."
Family responsibilities and public reaction
Nelson told The Denver Post that logistics and family travel influenced his decision not to attend.
"I think both of the men’s and women’s teams should be extremely prideful and proud of what they accomplished, winning gold. It’s a huge honor. And I think for the guys being invited to the White House, I heard the women’s team was invited to the White House as well, it’s everyone’s right to kind of choose if they wanted to go or not.
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"For me, it just didn’t work out schedule-wise. My family coming back, the schedule of our games , five in seven days. There’s a lot to be made about it, but no one actually knows the real truths with everything. Everyone is entitled to their own decisions. I would love to check out the White House. I think it’s an incredible honor. Everyone that’s an American, if you have that opportunity, it’s an incredible one. So kind of bummed that I missed it, but for me it just didn’t work out. I wanted to help my family get home and that was it."
Nelson acknowledged the wave of criticism that followed the team in the days after the tournament.
"Crazy, lots of noise and a whole lot of different things being said," he said.
Jake Guentzel of the Tampa Bay Lightning also cited timing and recovery after the Olympic break. He said, "It was just kind of a timing thing for me and my family. I was definitely not denying the request to go.
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"It would obviously be a dream come true to go. I was fortunate to go in 2017 when Trump was in office.
"Two weeks of Olympic break, just thought it would be a good idea to come home, rest and recover, and try to spend some time with my family before we get going."
Defenseman Jackson LaCombe told The Hockey News, "I love our country, and you know, I love whoever’s in office, so it was such an honor, but I just wanted to be back here for the game, and it was a tight window, so I couldn’t really make it work."
Women’s decision and wider spotlight
While the men’s attendance was divided, the US women’s hockey team declined the invitation. According to The Denver Post, the women cited "timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments."
The episode extended beyond Washington. Rapper Flavor Flav publicly offered to host a celebration in Las Vegas for the women’s team and other female US medallists, urging supporters to "Support women's sports!"
What was meant to mark a rare Olympic triumph instead became a flashpoint that blended sport, politics and personal choice, illustrating how even moments of national celebration can unfold under an intense public spotlight.
Sources: The Denver Post, The Hockey News
