The Buffalo Sabres’ standout and U.S. hockey Olympic gold medalist, Tage Thompson, found himself at the center of a social media storm following his recent visit to the White House. The U.S. men’s ice hockey team, fresh off a thrilling gold medal victory, faced backlash after their interaction with President Donald Trump. The controversy began when the team laughed at a controversial joke made by Trump about the U.S. women’s team during a locker room visit.
On Tuesday, all but five players from the men’s team, including Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, Jackson LaCombe, Kyle Connor, and Brock Nelson, attended a White House visit and later the State of the Union address. Among the highlights, several players, including Thompson, posed for photos with White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. Thompson, in particular, drew attention for wearing a “Make America Great Again” hat, which sparked a wave of criticism from fans online.
Social media was abuzz with reactions. Notably, commentator Keith Olbermann and various fans expressed their disappointment, with some suggesting that Thompson’s choice of attire might lead to a challenging season. Fans voiced their concerns, with some feeling that Thompson had tarnished his Team USA goodwill.
Despite the criticism, Thompson stood by his decision, citing patriotism and describing the White House visit as an honor. He addressed the backlash through The Athletic’s Matthew Fairburn, emphasizing his pride in the opportunity.
During the State of the Union, President Trump announced that Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Additionally, Florida Panthers’ Matthew Tkachuk allowed Trump to try on his gold medal.
The situation underscores the complexities athletes face when political figures are involved. Thompson and his teammates are now navigating the fallout as they prepare to return to the ice, with the Sabres set to face the New Jersey Devils. The intersection of sports and politics remains a challenging arena, and the players are learning firsthand the implications of their choices.