Trump Jokes He Won't Give Back Team USA Hockey's Gold Medal

The former president quipped he'd keep the medal after the team presented it to him at the White House.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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Former President Donald Trump joked he wouldn't give back the gold medal that members of the U.S. men's hockey team presented to him during a White House visit, just days after the team's victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Why it matters

Trump's lighthearted response highlights the celebratory atmosphere as the team was honored at the White House for their Olympic triumph, which marked the third gold medal for U.S. men's hockey in the country's history.

The details

After defeating Canada 2-1 in the finals, the U.S. men's hockey team flew to Washington, D.C. on Air Force One and visited the White House, where team member Matthew Tkachuk offered Trump the chance to wear the gold medal. Trump then joked, "I'm not giving it back," as he posed for photos with the medal around his neck.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal on February 22, 2026.
  • The team visited the White House on February 24, 2026.

The players

Donald Trump

The 79-year-old former president of the United States.

Matthew Tkachuk

A member of the U.S. men's hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Team USA

The U.S. men's hockey team that won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not giving it back”

— Donald Trump (White House X)

The takeaway

Trump's lighthearted response to being presented the gold medal by the U.S. men's hockey team captured the celebratory spirit of the White House visit, which honored the team's historic Olympic triumph.