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FBI Director Joins Team USA Hockey Celebration After Gold Medal Win
Kash Patel celebrated with the team in the locker room after their victory over Canada.
Feb. 23, 2026 at 10:23pm
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FBI Director Kash Patel joined the Team USA hockey team in their locker room celebration after the squad won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Patel, a hockey fan, was in Italy for previously scheduled meetings and was invited by the players to take part in the festivities following their 2-1 victory over Canada.
Why it matters
Patel's presence in the locker room celebration has drawn some scrutiny, with questions raised about whether it was appropriate for the FBI director to participate in such a personal team moment. However, the White House has defended Patel's actions, stating that his trip was for official business and any personal expenses would be reimbursed.
The details
Video footage showed Patel wearing a USA shirt, singing along with the players, and even being awarded a gold medal by one of the team members. Patel posted on social media about the experience, calling the players 'legends' and praising their 'unity, sacrifice, and attitude' in becoming world champions.
- The gold medal game between the United States and Canada took place on February 22, 2026 during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games.
- Patel joined the team's locker room celebration immediately following their victory on February 22, 2026.
The players
Kash Patel
The current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Team USA Hockey
The United States men's ice hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
What they’re saying
“[Y]es, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys — Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.”
— Kash Patel, FBI Director
“Unity, Sacrifice, Attitude – what it takes to be the best in the world. These men live and breathe it. Now Team USA are gold medal champions, legends standing on the shoulders of giants. Thank you for representing the greatest country on earth, in the greatest game ever created.”
— Kash Patel, FBI Director
“don't be mad because America won.”
— Steven Cheung, White House Communications Director
What’s next
The White House has stated that Patel's trip was for official business and any personal expenses would be reimbursed. It remains to be seen if there will be any further scrutiny or investigation into the FBI director's participation in the team's private celebration.
The takeaway
Patel's presence in the Team USA hockey locker room celebration has sparked debate over the appropriateness of the FBI director's involvement in such a personal team moment. While the White House has defended his actions, the incident highlights the potential for blurred lines between government officials' professional and personal lives, especially in high-profile situations.
