Team USA Hockey Stars Face Backlash Over MAGA Hat at White House

Social media erupts over player's Trump-supporting headwear during Olympic gold medal celebration

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. men's ice hockey team faced widespread criticism on social media after a photo surfaced of one player, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson, wearing a "Make America Great Again" hat during the team's visit to the White House to celebrate their Olympic gold medal victory. The photo, shared by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, sparked outrage from many who saw the MAGA hat as a political statement incompatible with the team's achievement.

Why it matters

The backlash highlights the highly polarized political climate in the U.S., where even a celebratory event can become a flashpoint for partisan divisions. The incident also raises questions about the appropriate role of politics in sports and whether athletes should be expected to avoid making political statements, even if inadvertently.

The details

The U.S. men's hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday after winning the Olympic gold medal. During the visit, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a photo on social media that included several players, including Thompson wearing a MAGA hat. This prompted widespread criticism on social media, with many accusing Thompson of making a political statement that they found offensive or inappropriate.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday, February 25, 2026 to celebrate their Olympic gold medal victory.
  • The photo shared by Karoline Leavitt that sparked the backlash was posted on social media on February 25, 2026.

The players

Karoline Leavitt

The White House Press Secretary who shared the photo on social media that sparked the backlash.

Tage Thompson

A Buffalo Sabres forward on the U.S. men's hockey team who wore a "Make America Great Again" hat during the White House visit, prompting criticism from many on social media.

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The takeaway

This incident highlights the highly charged political climate in the U.S., where even a celebratory event can become a flashpoint for partisan divisions. It raises questions about the appropriate role of politics in sports and whether athletes should be expected to avoid making political statements, even if inadvertently.