Toronto columnist criticises Auston Matthews over White House appearance

The debate surrounding Team USA’s visit to the White House after their gold medal victory is still rumbling on — and much of the attention north of the border has centred on Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews.

Following the United States’ first men’s hockey gold medal since 1980, players returned to their NHL clubs as the regular season resumed. In several American cities, the champions were greeted with loud celebrations. Some players received standing ovations from home crowds eager to honour their achievement. But the atmosphere is expected to be very different in Toronto, where Matthews leads one of Canada’s most iconic franchises.

The political backdrop has only intensified the reaction. Relations between the United States and Canada are currently strained, with tensions heightened by rhetoric from President Donald Trump that has been widely criticised in Canada. Recent polling suggests a significant portion of Canadians hold an unfavourable view of the United States and have little confidence in Trump’s leadership. Against that backdrop, Matthews’ public participation in the White House visit — and his visible embrace of the moment — has not sat well with some fans and commentators.

One of the strongest critiques came from longtime Toronto Star columnist Damien Cox, who delivered a scathing assessment of Matthews’ decision. Cox argued that, as captain of the Maple Leafs, Matthews carries responsibilities that extend beyond on-ice performance. In his view, attending the political celebration showed poor judgment, particularly given the sensitivities in Canada. He pointed out that other athletes and teams have declined similar invitations in the past and suggested Matthews should have considered doing the same.

Cox further claimed that Matthews failed to appreciate the symbolic weight of his role in Toronto, describing the move as a misstep that could damage his standing with the fanbase. He even suggested the visit might one day be seen as a turning point in the Matthews era with the Leafs.

At the same time, there is another side to the argument. Matthews, an American-born player with Mexican heritage, has every right to celebrate a historic achievement for his country. Winning Olympic gold is a rare accomplishment, and being recognised for it at the highest level of government is, for many athletes, a proud moment. Supporters of Matthews argue that celebrating sporting success should not automatically be framed as a political statement — even if, in today’s climate, it inevitably becomes one.

Still, the intersection of sports and politics has made this a particularly sensitive issue. While Team USA’s achievement on the ice was widely applauded, their presence at a politically charged event — especially during a period of strained cross-border relations — has complicated the narrative.

All eyes will now be on Toronto to see how Matthews is received when he next skates onto home ice. If the tone of recent commentary is any indication, the response could be mixed, underscoring just how delicate the balance between national pride, professional responsibility, and public perception has become.