(DDM) – A member of the US men’s Olympic hockey team has publicly distanced himself from a controversial video posted by the White House that appeared to show him insulting Canadians after Team USA’s gold medal victory.
The clip, shared on the White House TikTok account, featured what looked like Brady Tkachuk delivering inflammatory remarks about Canada following the United States’ 2–1 overtime win.
A disclaimer at the bottom of the video acknowledged that it contained AI-generated media, indicating that the footage had been digitally altered.
The video surfaced shortly after the US men’s Olympic hockey team defeated Canada to claim gold, a high-stakes rivalry that often carries strong national pride on both sides of the border.
The altered clip appeared to modify comments from one of Tkachuk’s press conferences and present them as direct insults toward Canadians.
Tkachuk, however, rejected the portrayal. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, he made clear that he did not condone the video or its content.
He did not endorse the language used in the AI-generated post and did not share the animosity suggested in the clip.
The controversy comes against the backdrop of broader political tensions between the administration of Donald Trump and Canada.
While political rhetoric between the two countries has at times grown heated, sports diplomacy has historically remained more measured.
Tkachuk’s position carries additional weight because he plays professionally in Canada as captain of the Ottawa Senators, a franchise in the National Hockey League. His professional ties to a Canadian-based team underscore his ongoing relationship with Canadian fans and teammates.
The White House has not publicly elaborated on the intent behind the AI-generated video beyond the disclaimer noting digital manipulation.
The use of artificial intelligence in political messaging has drawn growing scrutiny, particularly when altered media depicts real individuals making statements they did not actually say.
Media analysts say the episode highlights the risks associated with AI-edited content in politically sensitive contexts. Even with disclaimers, altered videos can quickly circulate on social platforms and shape public perception before clarifications emerge.
For Tkachuk, the focus appears to remain on his team’s athletic achievement rather than political controversy. By distancing himself from the video, he signaled a desire to keep sportsmanship separate from political messaging.
The incident adds to ongoing debates about digital ethics, political communication, and the responsibility of public institutions when sharing AI-generated media featuring private citizens or public figures.
