President Donald Trump welcomed the gold medal-winning U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team to his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, celebrating their historic victory while navigating controversy surrounding FBI Director Kash Patel’s involvement in team celebrations. The men’s Olympic hockey team appeared in the House Chamber balcony to thunderous applause, marking a triumphant moment less than 48 hours after their overtime victory against Canada.
The team secured the gold medal on Sunday in a thrilling final that ended decades of waiting for American hockey fans. It represents the first U.S. gold in men’s ice hockey since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, according to widely reported accounts of the historic win.
Presidential Recognition for Olympic Hockey Victory
During his address, Trump praised the team approximately 15 minutes into his speech, declaring that “our country is winning again.” The men’s Olympic hockey team entered to chants of “U.S.A” and received a standing ovation lasting roughly two minutes as they displayed their gold medals.
Additionally, Trump announced he would award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. Hellebuyck made 41 saves during the gold medal game, according to game statistics.
Invitation and Transportation Arrangements
The president extended the invitation during a phone call on Sunday immediately following the team’s victory. Trump offered to transport the players to Washington aboard a military plane, and video of that conversation was subsequently shared on social media.
However, the call also generated controversy when Trump joked about needing to invite the women’s team as well, saying he would “probably be impeached” if he didn’t. The women’s team declined the State of the Union invitation, citing “timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments,” according to reports.
FBI Director Faces Scrutiny Over Celebration Participation
Meanwhile, FBI Director Kash Patel drew criticism after appearing in social media videos celebrating with the team in their Milan locker room following the victory. Democrats questioned whether taxpayer funds were being misused for what appeared to be personal activities.
An FBI spokesman had stated before the game that Patel’s trip to Milan served primarily professional purposes, with the government to be reimbursed for personal expenses. White House spokesperson Steven Cheung reiterated that Patel was in Italy “meeting with regional partners and security teams.”
In contrast to this official explanation, Patel defended himself on social media, writing that he was “extremely humbled” when his friends on the team invited him into the locker room. The FBI director has previously faced scrutiny over his use of government aircraft for travel.
Women’s Team White House Visit
Trump stated during his address that the women’s hockey team would soon visit the White House, though the team has not confirmed these plans. The women’s team did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the proposed visit.
The president’s office has not announced a specific date for any potential White House ceremony honoring either hockey team, and details regarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom presentation to Hellebuyck remain unconfirmed.
