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The U.S. men’s ice hockey team continued its Olympic gold medal celebrations at home with a whirlwind tour Tuesday that began with an Air Force flight to Washington, D.C., and ended with a standing ovation during the State of the Union address.
But amid the praise, the team faced backlash on social media.
Jack Hughes poses for a photo with members of the American team, Tuesday, February 24, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt was among the administration members who greeted U.S. hockey players before visiting President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.
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Leavitt shared a photo on social media posing with Deputy Director of Communications Margo Martin and several members of the U.S. team. The photo included Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Jack and Quinn Hughes and Buffalo Sabers forward Tage Thompson.
Both Hughes brothers wore red and white Americana hats, while Thompson sported a “Make America Great Again” hat, sparking widespread reaction on social media.
“How embarrassing,” one person wrote on X in a post sharing the photo. Another person responded, calling Thompson a “bastard” for wearing the MAGA hat.
“From here to zero in record time,” this person added in another message.
Karoline Leavitt shared a photo on social media posing with Deputy Director of Communications Margo Martin and several members of the U.S. team. The photo included Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman, Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, Jack and Quinn Hughes and Buffalo Sabers forward Tage Thompson. Both Hughes brothers wore red and white Americana hats, while Thompson sported a “Make America Great Again” hat, sparking widespread reaction on social media. (Karoline Leavitt via Instagram)
Thompson has faced particular criticism on social media. On his Instagram page, critics flocked to the comments of his recent post to criticize him for wearing the MAGA hat.
“Your actions spoke louder than all the cheap words you will invariably post in damage control,” one comment read. “We will remember you as the losers that you are.”
“It’s such a shame,” another post read.
“A MAGA hat is shameful. You should be ashamed. We will never forget. You are a red hat. Disgusting.”
The gold medalists of the U.S. men’s hockey team angered liberal pundits and news organizations even though they captivated the nation with their Olympic feat. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno)
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Trump invited the gold medal-winning men’s and women’s teams to the White House and extended an invitation to the State of the Union address, but the women’s team declined, citing scheduling conflicts.
In a video of the president’s phone call with the men’s team immediately after their victory, Trump said he “should” invite the women’s team or he would “probably be impeached.” Players laughed in response to Trump’s joke, sparking backlash on social media.
Trump said during his speech Tuesday that the gold medal-winning women’s team would visit the White House, but he did not say when.
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