Trump takes swipe at past admins’ Afghanistan handling as he praises Panthers team owner

President Donald Trump made headlines as he welcomed the Florida Panthers to the White House to celebrate their Stanley Cup victory. In a rare move, the Panthers were the first team to visit the White House during Trump’s second term as president.
During the ceremony, Trump praised team owner Vincent Viola, calling him a “real champion” who has a deep love for the military. Trump even joked that Viola should have been in Afghanistan instead of the previous administration, implying that things may have turned out differently.
The U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 was a response to the September 11th terror attacks, with the goal of toppling the Taliban and capturing Usama bin Laden. As the U.S. recently completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, a tragic attack at Hamid Karzai International Airport claimed the lives of thirteen American servicemembers and 170 Afghan civilians.
Viola, a billionaire businessman, was once considered for the position of U.S. Army secretary during Trump’s first term. He has a strong military background, having attended the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell.
Since purchasing the Florida Panthers in 2013, Viola has led the team to six playoff appearances, including a run to the Stanley Cup Final in 2023. Despite falling short to the Vegas Golden Knights, the Panthers have been a competitive force in the NHL under Viola’s ownership.
As the ceremony concluded, it was evident that Viola’s dedication to both his team and the military has not gone unnoticed. The event at the White House served as a moment of celebration for the Panthers’ success on the ice and a recognition of Viola’s commitment to excellence in all aspects of his life.
The Florida Panthers’ visit to the White House under President Trump’s leadership highlighted the intersection of sports, politics, and patriotism, showcasing the unity and pride that can come from athletic achievement and national recognition.