Team USA Men's Hockey Team Boards Air Force Plane for SOTU Visit

President Trump provides military transport for Olympic gold medalists

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Shortly after returning from the Olympics in Milan, the Team USA men's hockey team boarded a U.S. Air Force plane provided by President Donald Trump to fly to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union address. The team, fresh off their gold medal victory over Canada, were given VIP treatment by the President.

Why it matters

The invitation and transportation from President Trump highlights the close relationship between the administration and the men's Olympic hockey team, in contrast with the women's team who declined the SOTU invitation due to scheduling conflicts.

The details

A video surfaced showing the Team USA men's hockey team boarding the Air Force 757 plane in Miami on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 to head to the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. Most of the players were wearing their gold medals as they boarded the plane, which was provided by Trump for their transportation.

  • The team boarded the Air Force plane on February 24, 2026 to fly to Washington, D.C.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who provided the U.S. Air Force plane for the Team USA men's hockey team to travel to the State of the Union address.

Team USA Men's Hockey Team

The Olympic gold medal-winning men's hockey team from the United States who were invited by President Trump to attend the State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“What would really be cool, and we'll do the White House next time, we'll just have some fun, we have medals for you guys. And we have to, I must tell you, we're gonna have to bring the women's team, you do know that.”

— Donald Trump (Reports)

What’s next

The Team USA men's hockey team will attend the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

President Trump's invitation and transportation for the men's Olympic hockey team, but not the women's team, highlights the political dynamics and favoritism that can sometimes surround elite athletes and their relationship with the White House.