Trump Honors Olympic Men’s Hockey Team
During his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, President Donald Trump gave a warm acknowledgment to the Olympic gold medal-winning men’s hockey team, eliciting enthusiastic applause and cheers from the audience.
The players made their way down the aisle in the press gallery, waving in response to the applause and chants from lawmakers.
“What an incredible job you’ve done, what exceptional champions you are!” the President expressed.
“Here tonight is a group of winners who made America proud: the men’s hockey team that took home the Olympic gold! Come join us!” he said, while the members of the team chanted, “America! America! America!”
Trump extended a huge congratulations to Team USA, stating, “I really want to highlight just how special your achievement is.” Additionally, he revealed that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian award.
“You’ve truly made us proud! What a remarkable job!” he reiterated around the applause. The men’s team secured a dramatic overtime win against Team Canada on Sunday, marking the U.S.’s first gold medal in hockey in 46 years.
Earlier that day, the team had visited the White House as the President’s guests. While some expressed discontent over the team’s acceptance of the invitation, New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes stood by their choice.
“Everything seems so political these days. We’re athletes first,” he noted on Monday night. “We take immense pride in representing the United States. If we get the chance to meet the President at the White House, that’s an honor. It’s patriotic. Whatever your thoughts, we just feel excited to be part of it.”
Interestingly, while he also won gold at the Olympics, another player declined the President’s invitation due to prior commitments. Hughes also spoke in defense of the decisions made by the women’s team.
“There’s a lot of negativity out there, people trying to put others down and stirring up conflict over minor issues,” he commented. “In that locker room, there’s a shared understanding of support. We’re genuinely proud of each other, and I know they feel the same way about us.”
