Megan Rapinoe, a prominent figure in Olympic soccer, has voiced her criticism of the U.S. men’s hockey team following their recent victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The controversy stemmed from an interaction between players and former President Donald Trump, which Rapinoe believes exploited the team’s triumph for political purposes.
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The dispute arose after Trump extended an invitation to the men’s hockey team following their victory over Canada on February 22. The call took place in the team’s locker room and included Trump’s comments about also inviting the women’s team to a subsequent State of the Union address, a remark that many interpreted as disrespectful towards the female athletes.
Rapinoe’s comments came during a recent episode of her podcast “A Touch More,” co-hosted with fellow athlete Sue Bird. During the discussion, she expressed disappointment over how the men’s team handled the situation, stating, “And now you’re a clown. You look like a clown,” in reference to the athletes appearing to support Trump’s remarks.
The men’s team, which ultimately accepted Trump’s invitation to the White House, faced backlash not only from Rapinoe but from others who felt that their laughter during the call trivialised their achievement. Rapinoe described the incident as a “classic ripping defeat from the jaws of victory,” suggesting that they had tarnished their own celebration by engaging with Trump, who she argued would manipulate the moment for his own agenda.
Throughout her commentary, Rapinoe noted that moments like winning an Olympic gold medal are significant milestones that athletes dream about from a young age. She emphasised that the joy of the victory was overshadowed by the men’s team’s decision to engage with Trump, who, she contended, is known to co-opt such achievements for personal benefit.
Reflecting on her own experiences with the president, Rapinoe recalled her refusal to visit the White House after the U.S. women’s national team’s World Cup victory in 2019, stating that she rejected Trump’s invitation due to his views and actions. “It’s about putting the work in, and you’ve just accomplished this amazing thing,” she remarked concerning the men’s team, questioning their decision to give such a moment away to Trump.
Moreover, Rapinoe highlighted the bond between the men’s and women’s hockey teams and questioned why the male players found humour in Trump’s comments at a public point in their careers. She believed that their laughter diminished their respect for themselves and their achievement, commenting that they should have held their own accomplishments in higher regard.
In response to the unfolding situation, Jeremy Swayman, a goalie for the men’s national team and the Boston Bruins, acknowledged that their response could have been more considerate. He shared that the team holds immense respect for the women’s hockey team and expressed gratitude for their shared achievement. “We know that we are so excited for the women’s team,” he stated, adding that they cherish having won gold together.
As the conversation unfolds, it invites broader reflection on the intersection of sports and politics, particularly regarding how athletes navigate their public personas and responsibilities. Rapinoe’s critique serves as a reminder of the significance of champions representing not just themselves, but their sports as a whole—an ethos that both teams will continue to strive for moving forward.
The fallout from this incident may yet have implications for how athletes engage with political figures, especially amid changing dynamics in the public and political landscape in the United States. As discussions regarding respect and representation in sports persist, the need for awareness and understanding within athletic communities continues to be of paramount importance.