US hockey was bathed in a golden Olympic glow. Then Donald Trump and Kash Patel stepped in | Beau Dure

Guardian Sport

by Beau Dure

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The US men’s and women’s hockey teams achieved remarkable success at the Winter Games, claiming titles that initially brought a wave of pride and unity. However, this positive sentiment was short-lived as political tensions overshadowed the victories. The gold-medal matchup between the US and Canada in men’s hockey, held on the 46th anniversary of the Miracle on Ice—a historic victory during the Cold War—was inevitably tied to broader geopolitical dynamics. While the original Miracle on Ice story was defined by underdog American players standing up against Soviet authoritarianism, the current US team faced a very different context. The game’s outcome was further complicated by recent tensions between the US and Canada, including disputes over trade and national sovereignty. The political undertones became evident during last year’s 4 Nations Face-Off when Canadian fans booed the Star-Spangled Banner, reflecting growing animosity toward American influence in Canada. This sentiment appeared to catch the attention of US players, who responded with physical aggression at the start of the game. The incident highlighted a shift in the narrative from sports as a unifying force to a battleground for international rivalry. While some viewed the players’ actions as a display of patriotism, others saw it as an escalation of tensions that could harm the spirit of friendly competition. The clash between sports and politics is not new, but the involvement of figures like Donald Trump and Kash Patel has amplified its visibility. Trump, who often framed his policies in nationalistic terms, appeared to align himself with the US hockey team’s behavior, reinforcing a narrative of “us vs. them.” This politicization of sports raises questions about whether such competitions can truly remain neutral or if they will inevitably be drawn into larger ideological battles. For fans and athletes alike, this blurring of lines complicates the pure enjoyment of sport and its potential to foster international goodwill. The situation also underscores a broader shift in global dynamics, where

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Originally published on Guardian Sport on 2/24/2026