Trump Claims Gold-Medal Women's Hockey Team Will Visit White House 'Soon'

The men's hockey team was honored at the White House and State of the Union after winning gold at the Olympics.

Feb. 25, 2026 at 3:51pm

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President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. women's Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team will soon visit the White House, after the team declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union address. The men's hockey team, which also won gold, was honored at the White House and received a standing ovation during the State of the Union.

Why it matters

The visit by the men's hockey team to the White House and their recognition at the State of the Union highlights the political nature of such events, as the women's team declined the invitation due to the timing. This raises questions about the relationship between sports, politics, and presidential administrations.

The details

The Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men's hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon. The players entered the House chamber through two sets of doors and walked down the rows of the press gallery, receiving a bipartisan standing ovation and chants of 'USA!' from lawmakers. Trump praised the players as 'special champions' and said goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The women's hockey team, which also won gold, had declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union due to the timing of the address, but Trump announced they will 'soon' visit the White House.

  • The men's hockey team visited the White House on Tuesday afternoon.
  • The men's hockey team received a standing ovation during the State of the Union address that night.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The goalie for the U.S. men's hockey team, who stopped 41 shots in the gold medal game and will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Matthew Tkachuk

A forward for the U.S. men's hockey team, who has now made three visits to the White House in just over 12 months as a back-to-back Stanley Cup champion with the Florida Panthers.

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What they’re saying

“I want to thank you all. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

“Good to see you again.”

— Matthew Tkachuk, Forward, U.S. Men's Hockey Team

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This event highlights the political nature of presidential visits by sports teams, as the women's hockey team declined the invitation to the State of the Union. It raises questions about the relationship between sports, politics, and the White House.