President Donald Trump recognized the U.S. Men's Olympic Hockey Team during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, celebrating their recent gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics and further fueling the hockey controversy. Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX) was quick to take notice, posting on X in praise of the moment.
The win marked the men's hockey team's first Olympic gold since 1980. Their 3–2 overtime victory against Canada came just days after the U.S. women's hockey team earned gold of their own in a comeback win over the same rival.
However, the controversy started when President Trump called the men's team after their championship game, inviting them to attend the State of the Union and offering transportation to Washington aboard a military plane.
During the call, he remarked that the women's team would also be invited and joked that he would "probably be impeached" if he didn't extend the same offer. Although the women's team later declined due to prior commitments, the president said they would visit the White House at a later date.
During his address, reports show Trump described the team as a symbol of American success. "Our country is winning again," he said. "To prove that point, here with us tonight is a group of winners who just made the entire nation proud: the men's gold medal Olympic hockey team." Rep. Gill then echoed that sentiment strongly.
The players received a lengthy standing ovation as the audience chanted "U-S-A" while they displayed their medals from the balcony.
Trump also announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Following the event, Gill expressed his praise, posting on X, "President Trump just honored the USA Men's Hockey Team at the State of the Union. This team embodies the patriotism and winning spirit leading the charge for America."
The controversy is still growing, leaving many to wonder, will the women's team ultimately receive the same level of recognition and fanfare when or if they make their visit to the White House?
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