President Donald Trump turned his State of the Union into a full-blown victory lap for American grit Tuesday night when he welcomed the U.S. men’s hockey team into the House chamber after their gold medal win over Canada. The players entered wearing USA sweaters and their medals around their necks, and the crowd responded the only logical way possible: loud, proud “U-S-A” chants.
Trump introduced the team personally, praising their overtime win against what he called a “fantastic Canadian team.” He added that the American women’s hockey team would soon be visiting the White House as well — because winning apparently runs in the national DNA.
During the speech, Trump announced he would award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Not bad for a night that already came with applause from Congress and the country.
Not every player could attend due to NHL obligations, but several made the trip to Washington after celebrating their Winter Olympics victory in Miami. Before the speech, they visited Trump at the White House, where photos were taken and patriotism was served fresh. Florida Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk even let Trump try on his gold medal in the Oval Office.
“I’m not giving it back,” the president joked — because if you win for America, you should expect America to keep it… at least for a second.
Trump had invited the team just days earlier while they were still celebrating in the locker room after their 2–1 win over Canada. FBI Director Kash Patel put Trump on speakerphone, and the president pitched the invitation live.
“I can send a military plane or something,” Trump told them, reminding the players that weather and logistics are no match for a commander-in-chief who likes winners. One player quickly cut in with, “We’re in.”
Trump sealed the deal by promising them smooth travel, joking that they’d “be sailing through like you did on the ice.”
Between Olympic champions in the gallery and a president celebrating American success, the moment captured something rare in politics: unity, pride, and a crowd chanting the country’s name. It was sports, patriotism, and leadership rolled into one — and it left the message loud and clear: when Americans win, the White House doors are wide open.
