The Real Un-American Act: Why Can’t the Left Celebrate American Victory?
In a nation that claims to love sports, we seem to have forgotten one of the most fundamental joys of being a fan: celebrating when our team wins. We just witnessed a moment that should have united the country. At the Winter Olympics, the U.S. Men’s Hockey team delivered a stunning, historic victory against Canada, clinching our first gold medal in the event in nearly half a century. It was a gritty, against-the-odds triumph—a true “Miracle on Ice” sequel.
Yet, instead of a collective roar of approval, a segment of the American media and political left spent the following days in a state of fury. Their target? FBI Director Kash Patel, who visited the team in the locker room to celebrate and drink with them.
The reaction to Patel’s celebration is a textbook case of a sickness that has poisoned American politics: a derangement so severe that it prevents people from recognizing a moment of national pride. The hypocrisy on display is staggering, and it reveals a deep-seated problem with how the left views patriotism today.
Let’s look at the two sides of this coin.
On one hand, you have Kash Patel, an American of Indian origin, beaming with pride and excitement in a locker room full of American Men Hockey National Team. He wasn’t giving a political speech; he was sharing in their joy. He was an American citizen, celebrating an American victory. For this, he was met with scorn. The message from the left is clear: if you are associated with this administration, you are not allowed to display patriotism. Your joy in your country’s success is somehow offensive.
On the other hand, look at the recent Super Bowl halftime show. The performance was celebrated by the very same media voices now condemning Director Kash Patel. The set featured a sea of flags from other nations, and the performance was predominantly in a foreign language. It was, by design, a celebration of inclusiveness, of how immigrants are part of American success story, which is fine. But the contrast is jarring. When a performer flies the flag of another country, it’s called “inclusive” and “groundbreaking.” When an American patriot, specifically one who works for Donald Trump, celebrates an American win, he is called a partisan hack who doesn’t belong there.
This is the double standard that defines the modern left. They have become so blinded by their hatred for President Trump that they can no longer distinguish between a political rally and a moment of national celebration. They have conflated “America” with “the administration,” and in doing so, they have alienated themselves from the very concept of the homeland.
This isn’t about politics; it’s about humanity. In Country Nigeria, when the Super Eagles (Men National Soccer Team) take the field, the nation unites. Politicians from warring parties stand side-by-side to congratulate the team. The win transcends the bitter divisions of the day. That is the power of sports. It is a unifier.
What we are seeing from the left is the opposite of that. It is a refusal to be unified. It is a refusal to acknowledge that a win for the U.S. Hockey Team is a win for every American, regardless of who sits in the Oval Office. By attacking Patel for his joy, they are essentially saying they would rather America lose than see a Trump official smile about a win.
This behavior is not just “liberal”; it is deeply cynical and, frankly, un-American. There is nothing wrong with loving your country. There is nothing wrong with being happy when the United States defeats a rival on the world stage. It is not a crime. It is not a scandal. It is called patriotism.
Director Patel had every right to be there. He had every right to be proud. The only shameful behavior here belongs to those who, sitting behind their keyboards, tried to turn a moment of American triumph into yet another culture war battlefield.
These people need to get over their hatred. They need to realize that rooting for America’s success—on the ice, on the field, or in the world—does not make you a villain. It makes you an American. And under this administration’s leadership, we are going to keep winning. It’s time they either get on board or get out of the way.
©2026 Oladigbo Oluwasogo Olalekan. All rights reserved.
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