President Trump Honors U.S. Men’s Hockey Team During Address

The gold medal-winning U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team appeared at the State of the Union address.

At the beginning of Trump’s speech, when he recognized special guests, he gave a shout-out to the U.S. men’s hockey team, and they quickly received a standing ovation from both Democrats and Republicans.

Here’s the moment the team walked onto the balcony of the Capitol’s chamber:

Here’s the US hockey team entering tonight during the state of the union to raucous applause. Most, but not all, Democrats stood to applaud them. pic.twitter.com/zs0kbe37uK

— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) February 25, 2026

The Associated Press provided a more detailed report on the U.S. Hockey team’s appearance at the State of the Union:

The Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. men’s hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon and later received about a two-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address that night.

Trump also announced that the women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win gold, will “soon” visit the White House. The women’s team had declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union due to the timing of the address.

Men’s players entered the House chamber through two sets of doors and walked down the rows of the press gallery. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle not only stood and cheered but chanted “USA!” several times, many even pumping fists. Rep. Lisa McClain, the Republican House Conference Chair, shouted “Love you!” to the players.

“I want to thank you all,” Trump told the players. “What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

Members of the U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey team received a standing ovation as they entered the House chamber after a shoutout from President Trump during his State of the Union address. https://t.co/NOohQfc7x5 pic.twitter.com/qaqbHC0uWC

— The Associated Press (@AP) February 25, 2026

The Hill reported that Trump also announced U.S. goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom:

President Trump announced at the State of the Union address Tuesday that he would give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck after he recorded 41 saves in the gold medal game against Canada.

Trump marveled at one of Hellebuyck’s most spectacular saves — a puck that he deflected from behind his back away from the goal to keep Team USA in the game.

The president said he asked the Winnipeg Jets goaltender whether he practiced the move but didn’t get a clear answer.

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“The members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor which has been given to many athletes over the years,” Trump said.

“Great athletes have gotten that and I thought he deserved it. What a special job you did and what special champions you are.”

Watch Trump here:

🚨 BREAKING: President Trump just announced he'll award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck

"I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom"

MUCH deserved! Connor has inspired MILLIONS of… pic.twitter.com/fVuqO31Y5o

— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 25, 2026

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