White House Boasts After US Women's Hockey Team Secures Gold Medal Over Canada
As Canadians lamented a so-called 'Carney Curse' following their national team's defeat in the women's hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the White House under the Trump administration took to social media to revel in Team USA's triumph. The official account posted, "WE ARE SO BACK," adding, "RED, WHITE, & BLUE RUNNING THROUGH OUR VEINS," after the United States edged out Canada with a 2-1 victory on Thursday night.
Team USA's Dominant Performance and Player Reactions
The American squad completed an undefeated run in Milan, finishing with a perfect 7-0 record and outscoring opponents by an impressive aggregate of 33-2. Megan Keller, who scored the game-winning goal, expressed her elation, stating she was "lost for words" and praising her teammates' dedication over a four-year journey. Kelly Pannek, another key player, highlighted the team's resilience, calling it "the best hockey team women's hockey has ever seen" and emphasizing their ability to overcome fierce competition from Canada.
Political Blame Game and Trump's Ongoing Rivalry with Canada
In the aftermath, Prime Minister Mark Carney faced criticism from some quarters for posing with the Canadian team prior to the loss, with detractors linking this to other recent sports disappointments, including the Blue Jays' World Series defeat and the Edmonton Oilers' Stanley Cup loss. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, though silent on this specific win, has a history of targeting Canada in sports contexts. At a White House event last month, he mocked the Oilers for extending Canada's Stanley Cup drought to 32 years, remarking, "We're doing much better than Canada."
Trump's rivalry with former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also resurfaced, recalling exchanges after Canada's victory in the 4 Nations Face-Off final last year. Trudeau had posted, "You can't take our country — and you can't take our game," to which Trump retorted by calling Trudeau "a loser" and criticizing his leadership. This tension underscores how sports have become a flashpoint in US-Canada relations under the current administration.
Broader Political Dynamics at the Winter Olympics
The Games have not been immune to political controversies. Skier Hunter Hess drew Trump's ire after expressing mixed emotions about representing the US, leading the president to label him "a real loser" and question his place on the team. Vice President J.D. Vance weighed in, advising athletes to avoid political commentary and focus on unifying the nation. Additionally, reports suggest Trump may attend the men's hockey final in Milano-Cortina if Team USA advances, with Italian authorities reportedly preparing security plans for his potential visit.
This incident highlights how international sports events often intersect with political narratives, fueling rivalries and shaping public discourse between nations.
