Trump Allies Rage Over Canadian Player's Olympic MVP Award

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung leads MAGA backlash over U.S. hockey team's loss in Olympic final.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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White House Communications Director Steven Cheung has sparked a MAGA meltdown over the Winter Olympics, criticizing the decision to award Canada's Connor McDavid as the overall MVP of the men's ice hockey tournament despite the U.S. team's victory. Cheung and other Trump allies have lashed out, claiming the award was "rigged" and that U.S. players should have been named co-MVPs instead. The controversy has reignited President Trump's bizarre fixation on ice hockey, with the former president warning that closer China-Canada ties could lead to the "termination" of hockey in Canada.

Why it matters

The Olympic MVP controversy highlights the continued politicization of sports by Trump and his supporters, who have frequently attacked U.S. Olympians for not toeing the MAGA line. It also reflects the former president's strange obsession with ice hockey, which he has repeatedly claimed will be banned in Canada if the country strengthens economic ties with China.

The details

In the final of the men's ice hockey tournament, the U.S. defeated Canada 2-1. However, Canada's Connor McDavid was named the overall MVP after setting a record for most points scored in the Olympic tournament. This decision sparked outrage from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung, a top Trump ally, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare the award was "RIGGED!" Cheung argued that U.S. players Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck should have been named co-MVPs instead. The controversy has reignited President Trump's bizarre fixation on ice hockey, with the former president warning on multiple occasions that closer China-Canada ties could lead to the "termination" of hockey in Canada.

  • On Sunday, Connor McDavid was honored as the overall MVP of the men's ice hockey tournament.
  • Last month, President Trump warned that closer China-Canada ties could lead to the "termination" of ice hockey in Canada.

The players

Steven Cheung

The White House Communications Director and a top ally of former President Donald Trump.

Connor McDavid

A Canadian ice hockey player who was named the overall MVP of the men's ice hockey tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, who has repeatedly warned that closer China-Canada ties could lead to the "termination" of ice hockey in Canada.

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What they’re saying

“'RIGGED!' he posted on X, alongside a photo of the history-making Olympian. He continued: '@usahockey's Jack Hughes and Connor Hellebuyck should have been named co-MVP's for their heroics.'”

— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director (X)

“'Wait what? The USA team didn't get the MVP??'”

— Conservative Republican (X)

“'MVP is the new participation trophy, eh?'”

— Anonymous (X)

What’s next

The controversy over the Olympic MVP award is likely to continue, with Trump allies like Cheung continuing to criticize the decision and push their narrative that the U.S. team was unfairly snubbed.

The takeaway

The MAGA meltdown over the Olympic hockey MVP award reflects the ongoing politicization of sports by Trump and his supporters, who have frequently attacked U.S. Olympians for not aligning with their political agenda. It also highlights the former president's bizarre fixation on ice hockey, which he has repeatedly claimed will be banned in Canada if the country strengthens economic ties with China.