Topics: Donald Trump, Olympics, Ice Hockey, USA
Donald Trump was quick to react to the United States’ men’s Olympic ice hockey gold medal victory against Canada, while the White House aimed a brutal dig at the silver medal winners.
On Sunday (22 February), the last actions of the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games took place ahead of the event’s closing ceremony in Verona.
One of the most highly anticipated clashes of the tournament saw the men’s Olympic ice hockey gold medal match contested between the US and neighbouring Canada.
Surprisingly, the US came out 2–1 winners and, in doing so, secured their first men’s ice hockey gold medal since 1980, while also winning their first competition outside the US.
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The USA women’s team also beat Canada by the same scoreline earlier in the 2026 Winter Games.
As expected, US President Trump wasted no time in offering his thoughts, with the 79-year-old taking to Truth Social shortly after the match.
Trump posted several messages, with one reading: “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW! President DONALD J. TRUMP.”
A second post added: “We’re winning too much, it’s just not fair! President DJT.”
Meanwhile, according to Team USA coach Mike Sullivan, Trump also engaged in a video call with members of the team.
"[Trump] just spoke to the group expressing how proud he was of the group and congratulating everybody on the win,” he told reporters on Sunday.
“Obviously, this game, in a lot of ways, was an inspiration to our country.
“I think, from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention, the president included.”
Of course, Trump will no doubt be pleased to get one over on Canada, given the tensions between the US and its neighbours since he assumed office in January 2025.
Trump has threatened the nation with increased trade tariffs over an electric car deal with China and even previously described Canada as the US’ 51st state.
Earlier in February, the president also threatened to block the opening of the Canadian government-funded Gordie Howe International Bridge, which connects the US state of Michigan and the Canadian province of Ontario.
Also on Sunday, the White House’s official X account posted a photograph of a bald eagle landing on top of a Canadian goose in response to a previous post from Justin Trudeau, the former Prime Minister of Canada.
“You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game,” read Trudeau’s post.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also reacted to the result, posting: “Congratulations on a hard-fought and well-earned silver, @TeamCanada. You made your country proud.”
The US finished second in the medal table with 33 medals, including 12 gold, while Canada wound up in 11th with a total of 21, including five gold.
