Symone Sanders decided to take a swipe at America’s men on ice during the State of the Union fallout — and social media is not having it.

In remarks that many viewers are calling “smug,” “dismissive,” and dripping with Beltway condescension, Sanders suggested that no one is against U.S. Olympic athletes — but scolded the United States men’s national ice hockey team for “allowing themselves to be used as political props.”

These athletes represent the United States on the world stage. They train their entire lives. They wear the flag on their jerseys. And somehow, in the eyes of media Democrats, standing next to the President of the United States during a national address is now suspect behavior.

Sanders went further, saying it was “very clear” why the president invited them — but claimed it was “unclear” why the team would “allow themselves to be utilized in this particular fashion.”

That tone — that finger-wagging, you-should-be-ashamed-of-yourselves posture — is exactly what has Americans fired up. Across X and other platforms, critics blasted the comments as elitist and out of touch. Many asked the obvious question: Since when did celebrating American athletes at a State of the Union become controversial?

For years, Democrats insisted that sports and patriotism are unifying. Now, when hockey players proudly stand as symbols of American excellence, they’re accused of being “used.”

The backlash has been swift. Veterans, sports commentators, and everyday fans are pointing out the double standard. When athletes kneel, protest, or align with progressive causes, they’re praised as courageous. When they appear at a national event with a Republican president? Suddenly they’re “props.”

Americans see the arrogance. They hear the miserable tone. And they’re tired of being told that pride in country comes with political strings attached.

If media figures wonder why trust keeps eroding, they might start by looking at moments like this — when celebrating Team USA somehow becomes a problem.

MSNOW’s Symone Sanders says the USA men’s hockey team “allowed themselves to be used as political props.” SHUT THE PUCK UP, lady! pic.twitter.com/yGXpqHR2SR

— thedailybs w/ Snerdley (@thedailybs_Bo) February 25, 2026