Feb 22, 2026; Milan, Italy; Brady Tkachuk #7 of Team United States and Matthew Tkachuk #19 of Team United States celebrate after their game against Team Canada during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
(Miami, Florida) – Matthew Tkachuk is back on American soil — and he’s making headlines for what he said about President Donald Trump.
The Team USA star forward called it “an honor” to hear from the president, adding that he and his teammates are “proud to represent him and millions across the country.”
The comments came as the team returned stateside following their international victory, where Tkachuk was seen celebrating on the ice draped in the American flag.
“Proud to Represent Millions”
In remarks circulating online, Tkachuk expressed appreciation for the message from Trump and emphasized the pride he feels wearing the USA jersey.
“It was an honor to hear from President Trump. We’re proud to represent him and millions across the country.”
The statement quickly gained traction on social media, with supporters praising Tkachuk’s patriotism and critics debating the intersection of sports and politics.
A Symbolic Moment
Images of Tkachuk holding the American flag above his shoulders have become emblematic of the team’s victory — reinforcing the theme of national pride that has surrounded their win.
While championship teams often receive congratulations from sitting presidents, public reactions to those interactions can vary widely depending on the political climate.
Sports and the Presidency
Presidential outreach to championship teams has long been a tradition in American sports. Whether through White House visits or public congratulations, these moments often spark conversation beyond the game itself.
For Tkachuk and Team USA, however, the focus remains on their victory and representing the country on the international stage.
