President Donald Trump used his State of the Union address Tuesday night to celebrate the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team’s gold medal victory over Canada, a win secured Sunday in Milan, Italy. The team received a roughly two-minute standing ovation in the House Chamber as they displayed their medals, according to reports from the scene.
Trump announced during the address that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who made 41 saves in the gold medal game, will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. “Our country is winning again,” Trump said, introducing the team. “To prove that point, here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the men’s gold medal Olympic hockey team.”
The invitation to the State of the Union followed a phone call Trump made to the team Sunday after their victory, a video of which circulated on social media. During the call, Trump stated, “I must inform you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team. You do understand that,” and jokingly added that he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t too invite the women’s team.
The U.S. Women’s hockey team, which also won a gold medal at the Milan Olympics, had been formally invited to the address but declined, citing “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments,” according to a USA Hockey spokesperson. Trump indicated in his speech that the women’s team would be visiting the White House in the near future, though the team has not yet confirmed a date.
The celebratory atmosphere surrounding the team’s recognition has been shadowed by controversy. Videos emerged showing FBI Director Kash Patel celebrating with the team in the locker room after the gold medal win. Patel’s presence and participation in the celebrations have drawn criticism from Democrats, who allege a misuse of taxpayer funds. An FBI spokesperson previously stated Patel’s trip to Milan was primarily for professional purposes, with any personal expenses to be reimbursed. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung reiterated on social media that Patel was in Italy “meeting with regional partners and security teams.”
Patel addressed the criticism on his personal X account, stating, “For the extremely concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth.” Patel has faced prior scrutiny regarding his use of government aircraft.
The men’s hockey team’s victory marks the first U.S. Gold medal in men’s ice hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics.
