U.S. Men’s Hockey Team Set for Triumphant Appearance at Trump’s State of the Union After Olympic Gold Glory
Washington, D.C. – Fresh off their dramatic gold medal victory at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, stars from the U.S. men’s hockey team are gearing up for a high-profile appearance at President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday night.
The invitation came directly from Trump himself in a post-victory phone call with the team, promising to make their attendance happen “somehow, some way” despite any logistical hurdles. Gold medal hero Jack Hughes and his brother Quinn, both key players on the squad, expressed unbridled excitement about the opportunity during media appearances this week.[2][3]
From Olympic Ice to Capitol Hill
The U.S. men’s team clinched their first gold since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” with a heart-stopping 2-1 overtime win over Canada on Sunday. Jack Hughes delivered the game-winning goal against Canadian goaltender Jordan Binnington, marking a historic sweep as the U.S. women’s team also captured gold earlier in the tournament – the first time both squads have topped the podium in the same Winter Games.[1][2]
“We’re so proud to represent the US and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the President, we’re proud to be Americans and that’s so patriotic,” Jack Hughes told reporters outside a Miami nightclub on Monday night. He emphasized the apolitical nature of their pride, adding, “No matter what your views are, we’re super excited to go to the White House and just be a part of that.”[3]
Quinn Hughes echoed the sentiment during a Tuesday morning spot on ABC News, saying, “I don’t know how much we’re allowed to say, but yes, yeah, we’re excited to go. Something you don’t get to do… every Tuesday. But yeah, it’s going to be special for us.” The brothers, who also appeared on NBC’s TODAY show, reflected on the gold medal thrill, team camaraderie in the Olympic Village, and mutual support between the men’s and women’s teams.[2][4]
“We’ll get Kash, and we’ll get the military to get you guys over. You won’t have to worry about the weather or landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or if it’s the worst blizzard – we’ll be sailing through like you did on the ice.”
– President Trump, during a call with the team[3]
Political Backdrop and Team Unity
Trump’s personal outreach underscores the administration’s embrace of the victory amid tense U.S.-Canada relations. The win came against a Canadian team fueled by national pride, partly stoked by Trump’s past comments proposing Canada as the 51st state. One Nova Scotia fan told The New York Times, “Canadians feel insulted by who they thought were their allies. It’s a matter of pride.”[1]
While the men’s team eagerly accepted the White House invite, the U.S. women’s gold medalists politely declined due to scheduling conflicts, as noted by Quinn Hughes.[2] The men’s squad, featuring vocal patriots like Brady Tkachuk, has drawn mixed reactions. Critics, including a Nation article highlighting an “ugly underbelly” to the win, accused some players of aligning too closely with Trump, contrasting them with Olympians who spoke out against the administration.[1]
Team captain Tkachuk defended the honor of representing the U.S., responding to Trump’s criticism of skier Hunter Hess by saying, “To represent the US at this stage in the Olympics is one of the greatest honors that I’ve ever had.”[1]
Historic Sweep Marks New Era for U.S. Hockey
The double gold has electrified American fans, evoking memories of 1980 while forging new legends. The men’s team withstood over a dozen Canadian shots in the third period to force overtime, with Hughes’ heroics sealing the deal exactly 46 years after the Lake Placid miracle.[2]
On TODAY, the Hughes brothers gushed about the support from family, former players, and the nation. Jack even recounted getting his teeth knocked out during the game but staying in the fight. “This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates,” he said post-game.[3][4]
| Event | Opponent | Score | Hero Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Men’s Gold Final | Canada | 2-1 (OT) | Jack Hughes OT goal |
| Women’s Gold Final | Canada | 2-1 (OT) | Five straight shutouts |
State of the Union Spotlight
As the team prepares for Capitol Hill, their presence symbolizes national pride amid political division. Trump promised logistical support from Vice President JD Vance and FBI Director Kash Patel, ensuring safe passage even in bad weather. One player reportedly cut off the president during the call, simply stating, “We’re in.”[3]
The event caps a whirlwind week for the champions, blending Olympic triumph with political theater. Whether donning suits or jerseys, the players’ attendance will undoubtedly amplify the address’s patriotic tone.
For fans, it’s a reminder of hockey’s power to unite – on ice and off. As Jack Hughes put it, “The U.S. are a hockey brotherhood. It’s so strong.”[3]
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