US Men's Hockey Gold Medalists Attend Trump's State of the Union

Chants of 'USA' break out as team members are recognized in the House chamber.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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The U.S. men's hockey team, fresh off their gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics, attended President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday night. The players, wearing their 'USA' sweaters and gold medals, received a round of applause and chants of 'U-S-A' from the audience in the House chamber. Trump praised the team's overtime win against Canada and announced he would honor goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Why it matters

The appearance of the U.S. men's hockey team at the State of the Union was a symbolic gesture highlighting American athletic achievement and national pride. The bipartisan reception the players received underscores how sports can transcend political divides and unite the country.

The details

Several members of the gold medal-winning U.S. men's hockey team were in attendance at the State of the Union address, having been invited by President Trump just days earlier. The players, who had been celebrating their victory in Miami, were flown to Washington D.C. by the military. During the speech, Trump introduced the team and they received a standing ovation, with the chamber breaking out in chants of 'U-S-A'. The president also announced he would award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • President Trump invited the team to attend the State of the Union address on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The State of the Union address took place on Tuesday, February 25, 2026.

The players

Connor Hellebuyck

The goaltender for the U.S. men's hockey team, who will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Trump.

Matthew Tkachuk

A Florida Panthers player who let President Trump wear his gold medal in a lighthearted moment in the Oval Office.

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What they’re saying

“They beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime as everybody saw, as did the American women who will soon be coming to the White House.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wxbc1043.com)

“I'm not giving it back.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States (wxbc1043.com)

What’s next

The U.S. men's hockey team is expected to visit the White House in the coming weeks to celebrate their gold medal victory with President Trump.

The takeaway

The appearance of the U.S. men's hockey team at the State of the Union address showcased the unifying power of sports and American pride. The bipartisan reception the players received demonstrates how athletic achievements can transcend political divides and bring the country together.