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Union Today
By the People, for the People
US Hockey Team Wins Gold, But Politics Overshadow Victory
FBI Director Kash Patel's appearance in the locker room and Trump's invitation to the State of the Union raise concerns about the politicization of the team's achievement.
Published on Feb. 24, 2026
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The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal in Milan, but the victory has been overshadowed by political controversies. FBI Director Kash Patel was seen celebrating with the team in the locker room, and President Donald Trump invited the team to the State of the Union address, which the women's team has since declined. The author expresses disappointment that the team's hard-fought victory has been tainted by partisan politics.
Why it matters
The politicization of the U.S. hockey team's gold medal win raises concerns about the increasing influence of politics in sports, which have traditionally been seen as a unifying force. The author questions whether he would feel the same way if the political figures involved were from the other side of the aisle, highlighting the divisive nature of the current political climate.
The details
After the U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal in Milan, FBI Director Kash Patel was seen celebrating with the team in the locker room, chugging beers. President Donald Trump then called the team and invited them to the State of the Union address, acknowledging that he would have to invite the women's team as well to avoid impeachment. The women's team has since declined the invitation.
- The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
- FBI Director Kash Patel was seen celebrating with the team in the locker room immediately after the game.
The players
Kash Patel
The current FBI Director, who was seen celebrating with the U.S. hockey team in the locker room after their gold medal win.
Donald Trump
The former President of the United States, who called the U.S. hockey team and invited them to the State of the Union address.
What they’re saying
“Let's just fast forward to the press conference where they all express support for MAGA, I'm waiting for Trump to demand his own medal.”
— The author (mycentraljersey.com)
“Would anyone be able to distinguish between that 'Play Free Bird' ballcap and a red MAGA one anymore?”
— The author (mycentraljersey.com)
What’s next
The author expresses uncertainty about whether he would feel the same way if the political figures involved were from the other side of the aisle, highlighting the divisive nature of the current political climate.
The takeaway
The politicization of the U.S. hockey team's gold medal win raises concerns about the increasing influence of politics in sports, which have traditionally been seen as a unifying force. The author's disgust with the involvement of Trump and Patel is not purely partisan, but rather a reflection of the broader tension between sports and politics in the current political climate.
