Donald Trump Celebrates Team USA’s Olympic Hockey Triumph

The roar of victory still echoes after Team USA’s dramatic 2-1 overtime win against Canada in the Olympic men’s hockey gold medal game. Former President Donald Trump swiftly extended his congratulations, praising the team’s “unbelievable” performance and personally inviting them to Washington D.C. this week. The call, captured in a lively locker-room video, showcased Trump’s enthusiasm for the team’s historic achievement.

A Presidential Phone Call & White House Invitation

Speaking by speakerphone shortly after Jack Hughes’s game-winning goal and Connor Hellebuyck’s stellar 41-save performance, Trump told the team they had delivered a moment for the ages. “Unbelievable. You were all unbelievable. That team is pretty good you played,” he exclaimed. He extended an invitation to attend Tuesday night’s State of the Union address as guests of honor, and proposed a celebratory event at the White House.

“I’ll tell you what – I just told my people two minutes ago. We could send a military plane or something. But if you would like to [attend], it’s the coolest night,” Trump offered, playfully assuring the team that even the worst weather wouldn’t hinder their travel. “We’ll just have some fun. We have medals for you guys.”

Acknowledging the Women’s Team & National Pride

Trump also acknowledged the US women’s hockey team’s recent gold medal victory over Canada, stating, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team… I do believe I’d probably would be impeached [if the women’s team wasn’t invited].” He emphasized the widespread national attention the games received, claiming “I don’t know of one person that wasn’t [watching].”

FBI Director Kash Patel Joins the Celebration

Adding an unexpected layer to the celebration, FBI Director Kash Patel was present in Milan, joining the locker-room revelry after the game. Patel, a life-long hockey enthusiast, was seen enthusiastically celebrating with the team, sparking some controversy and discussion online. His presence drew criticism from some former officials, questioning the appropriateness of his involvement given ongoing security concerns, including a recent incident at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Patel defended his presence, stating he was in Italy for meetings with Italian law enforcement and to oversee security for American athletes.

Team Response & Scheduling Conflicts

US captain Auston Matthews expressed the team’s pride and gratitude for the invitation, but noted the logistical challenges of accepting due to the imminent resumption of the NHL season. The US women’s team, however, declined the invitation due to pre-existing academic and professional commitments.

Political Undertones and Past Rivalries

This celebration wasn’t without its political undertones. Trump’s involvement revived memories of previous US-Canada matchups and the sometimes-heated rivalry between the two nations. His past comments about trade with China and the potential impact on Canadian hockey further fueled the political narrative. The White House even engaged in a playful social media exchange with Canada, reposting a previous message from Justin Trudeau and adding an image of an American bald eagle dominating a Canadian goose.

The victory and subsequent celebrations highlight the power of sports to unite a nation and the enduring passion for ice hockey. It also underscores the intersection of sports and politics, particularly when a high-profile figure like Donald Trump is involved.