The U.S. men’s national hockey team defeating Canada to win the gold in the 2026 Winter Olympics was a great triumph. But it’s clear not all congressional Democrats thought it was worth expending much energy to celebrate.
During President Trump’s Tuesday State of the Union address, numerous Democrats were spotted sitting during the president’s recognition of Team USA. Members of the team had visited the White House earlier in the day and later attended the address, in which they were given a shoutout by Trump.
“Our country is winning again. In fact, we’re winning so much that we really don’t know what to do about it. People are asking me, ‘Please, please, please, Mr. President, we’re winning too much. We can’t take it anymore, we’re not used to winning in our country …’ And I say, ‘No, no, no. You’re going to win again. You’re going to win big, you’re gonna win bigger than ever.’ And 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!” Trump said while introducing the group.
Donned in their gold medals, the members of Team USA received a standing ovation and cheers from many of the address’s attendees, many of whom broke into chants of, “USA! USA! USA!”
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,” Trump said, pointing to Democrats. “And actually, not all of them did get up.”
[READ: Yes, We’d Rather Have Patriotic Hockey Players At The SOTU Than Trump-Hating Democrats]
The president went on to congratulate the American men’s and women’s teams on their gold-medal wins. He also revealed that, after consultation with the men’s team, Team USA goalie Connor Hellebuyck will be awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his stunning performance in the championship game.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom “is considered the U.S. government’s highest civilian honor,” according to the Congressional Research Service.
“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as Connor Hellebuyck,” Trump said. “Great athletes have gotten that. Very great, the best. And I thought he deserved it. And I did take a vote. … [E]very single one of them rapidly put up their hand.”
The president also said that the U.S. women’s hockey team will be coming to the White House at a later date.
