Rusty Weiss
In an era when the media demands total conformity on everything from pronouns to politics, Buffalo Sabres forward Tage Thompson just reminded America what real patriotism looks like.
Fresh off helping Team USA capture a historic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics – including a clutch goal and assist in the semifinal – Thompson appeared in a White House photo shared by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
The image captured Thompson and several teammates alongside administration officials shortly after the team’s visit and President Trump’s State of the Union address.
While some teammates wore standard red-and-white USA hats, Thompson proudly rocked a red “Make America Great Again” hat.
To nobody’s surprise, that single fashion choice sent the media mob and their social media foot soldiers into a full meltdown.
I’m back on hockey and I’m all in on Tage Thompson. I need to order a Jersey. pic.twitter.com/gjvHtDQTtI
— Kurt Lafitte (@KurtLafitte) February 25, 2026
NHL Forward Stands Tall Against Radical Left Backlash, Leans on Christian Faith Amid White House Celebration
When asked about the criticism, the 27-year-old hockey star responded with class and conviction.
“I’m proud to be an American, and I have my own faith, my own beliefs, and everyone’s entitled to their own opinions and beliefs, as well,” Thompson said, according to Outkick. “I think we should be able to live in peace knowing that not everyone’s going to agree with you.”
Thompson didn’t stop there. He opened up about the foundation of his strength—his faith.
“Jesus is everything to me. Obviously, we’re made imperfect. We’re all sinners, and we need him. And I fall short every single day, and he’s the one I rely on,” he said.
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“I think when you have that sense of hope, the grace and the mercy that I receive every day from him is something that gives me peace and joy in life, no matter what I do. And he’s blessed me with this game and this opportunity to play the game I love at a high level, a beautiful family and friends, people surround me that I love,” Thompson added.
“And I’m just very grateful.”
Tage Thompson on the importance of his Christian faith and the bond it created with Team USA and Sabres teammates.
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) February 26, 2026
"We have a lot of guys that have a strong faith and Jesus is everything to me."
On MAGA hat criticism:
"We should be able to live in peace knowing that not… pic.twitter.com/hVjpLR8QoF
In a nation full of Hunter Hess‘s and Eileen Gu‘s, be a Tage Thompson.
While the professional grievance class clutched their pearls over a hat, American hockey fans celebrated one of the most monumental U.S. Winter Olympic triumphs in recent memory. Thompson and his teammates were honored during a pregame ceremony, with Jack Hughes (who scored the gold-medal-winning goal) bringing Thompson to center ice to roaring applause.
Have to give the Devils and their fans credit (which is tough as a lifelong Rangers fan)… the pregame ceremony was AWESOME! I got chills and goosebumps as the crowd serenaded Jack Hughes and Tage Thompson with cheers and USA chants. pic.twitter.com/7BZw8onQJN
— Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) February 26, 2026
The contrast couldn’t be clearer: one side wins gold for America and celebrates without apology; the other side throws a tantrum because the wrong color hat appeared in a photo.
In a country that once prized individual liberty and freedom of expression, Thompson’s calm, faith-filled response is a breath of fresh air. While the radical left continues to prove they can tolerate anything except differing opinions, real Americans will keep wearing whatever hat they want, waving the American flag, and standing proud through all of it.