Injured Washington Capitals star TJ Oshie’s support for President Donald Trump has divided fans, some of whom have vowed to get rid of his replica jersey after he posted about Monday’s inauguration.
‘God Bless America,’ Oshie wrote on X alongside a photo of Trump featuring the slogan: ‘America Is Back.’
Although Trump won the electoral college over Kamala Harris 312-226 with a 1.5-percent edge in the popular vote, he was dominated in left-leaning Washington D.C., falling by 273,109 votes in the city.
Consequently, Oshie’s pro-Trump message appears to have fallen flat with some – but hardly all – of the local Capitals fans.
‘So where’s the best place to sell a Oshie jersey,’ one fan asked on X.
Another posted a photo of her replica sweater, writing: ‘Oshie jersey for sale. Best offer or in the trash it goes. Glad to hear Oshie doesn’t care about his own kids rights.’
TJ Oshie (left, behind Trump in 2018, and right) refused to condemn his critics onlineÂ
TJ Oshie responded to critics who blasted him over his support for President Donald TrumpÂ
‘How could you say this when you have two young daughters,’ another responded, perhaps hinting at Trump’s role in appointing Supreme Court justices who struck down abortion protections for women.
To be clear, Oshie received an outpouring of support as well. One fan wrote that Oshie is ‘what a true American looks like,’ while others simply wrote: ‘Amen.’
‘Oshie love that you aren’t backing down,’ one fan added. ‘Proud to support you and the rest of the Capitals!!!!’
The 38-year-old Oshie took both categories of responses in stride in a follow-up post, telling his fans and critics that he loves them all.
‘That escalated quickly!’ Oshie wrote on X. ‘To be clear I love America and Americans on both sides of the aisle and always will. Yeah even you in the negative comments you little stinkers. I choose to respect everyone until you prove me otherwise. If it makes you feel better to chirp me over the internet it’s cool. Although I don’t see the honor in it and it seems silly.
‘To the people worried about my daughters thank you for your concern. All four of my kids will grow up with Parents who support them, tell them they love them every day, teach them to be strong and above all to be good and kind people,’ Oshie added.
He then directed a message at those vowing to trash his replica jersey.
‘P.S. For those throwing out jerseys… maybe just scrape off the name and number,’ he wrote. ‘Remember the name on the front is a hell of a lot more important than the one on the back.
‘Love you guys today and always!’ he concluded. ‘God Bless America.’
Several fans are now looking to unload their TJ Oshie replica jerseys onlineÂ
Oshie has faced some criticism over his support for Trump following Monday’s inaugurationÂ
Oshie was praised by many Capitals fans, who were unbothered by his Trump supportÂ
Oshie was showered with praise for his response.
‘You rock, TJ,’ one Colorado Avalanche fan wrote. ‘Respect for standing on your morals in the face of unwarranted hate, when most people crumble and apologize these days, when they aren’t wrong.’
‘Oshie is so awesome for this response,’ another added.
One woman described Oshie as ‘so well-spoken and generous of spirit.’
A Stanley Cup champion with Washington in 2018, Oshie was also part of Team USA’s underwhelming performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where the team finished fourth behind Canada, Sweden and Finland.
He’s been a productive right winger for the Caps but has recently struggled with back issues and has remained on injured reserve this season.