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Milan Today
By the People, for the People
US Men's Hockey Team Celebrates Gold Medal at White House with McDonald's Feast
The Olympic champions were served cheeseburgers and fries, sparking debate over presidential protocol and gender equity in sports.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
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The United States Men's Olympic Ice Hockey team visited the White House on February 24, 2026, following their gold medal win at the Milan-Cortina Games. During the celebration, the team was served a menu of McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries, which went viral on social media and sparked discussions about presidential protocol and the reception afforded to champion athletes.
Why it matters
The event highlighted the current level of cultural focus on professional sports in the United States, as well as ongoing debates about gender equity in sports. The absence of the US Women's Olympic Ice Hockey team, who also won gold, from the White House festivities added a political dimension to the celebrations.
The details
The men's hockey team, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime, attended an official celebration in the Roosevelt Room, where 20 of the 25 roster members were present. The meal served consisted of McDonald's double-stacked cheeseburgers and fries, a choice that reflected the President's established hosting style of favoring fast-food menus for championship sports teams.
- The US Men's Olympic Ice Hockey team visited the White House on February 24, 2026.
- The team's gold medal win at the Milan-Cortina Games occurred earlier in February 2026.
The players
United States Men's Olympic Ice Hockey team
The US men's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, their first Olympic title since the 1980 'Miracle on Ice' victory.
President Trump
The President has a history of serving fast-food menus to championship sports teams visiting the White House, a preference he has described as 'great American food'.
Hilary Knight
The US women's hockey team captain publicly addressed comments made by President Trump regarding the invitation process, which she described as inappropriate.
United States Women's Olympic Ice Hockey team
The US women's hockey team, who also won gold in Milan, were photographed dining at a Michelin Guide-listed restaurant hosted by actor Stanley Tucci, sparking comparisons to the men's team's White House visit.
What’s next
The absence of the US Women's Olympic Ice Hockey team from the White House festivities has added a political dimension to the celebrations, with the team's captain, Hilary Knight, publicly addressing comments made by President Trump regarding the invitation process.
The takeaway
The event has highlighted the current level of cultural focus on professional sports in the United States, as well as ongoing debates about gender equity in sports and the relationship between the presidency and professional athletics.
