The gold medal-winning United States men’s national ice hockey team arrived at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday and later visited the White House to meet with Donald Trump ahead of his State of the Union address.
The visit followed the team’s dramatic Olympic gold medal victory in men’s hockey and marked a major milestone for US hockey on the international stage.
The White House appearance underscored the celebratory tone surrounding the team’s success and highlighted its role in one of the nation’s most significant sports moments of the year.
Trump warmly greeted the athletes.
“I know each of you. I know each of you,” he said as they entered the room.
He added: “Big guys” as he shook hands with the players, who were wearing team gear with “USA” emblazoned on it, an American flag and the Olympic rings.
The gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team touched down at Joint Base Andrews on Tuesday (Feb. 24) ahead of President Donald Trump’s visit to the White House.
Forward Matthew Tkachuk shared photos on social media of teammates celebrating aboard what appeared to be a US government plane, along with images of the team deplaning.
Historic win over Canada
Team USA defeated Cortina Canada 2-1 in overtime Sunday at the Milan Winter Olympics to win its first gold medal in men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” victory in Lake Placid, New York.
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal to seal the historic victory.
Canada, traditionally dominant in Olympic hockey with nine gold medals, entered the match as heavy favorites. The win also avenged a previous loss to Canada in the NHL’s 4 Nations Face-Off exhibition in early 2025.
Invitation to Washington
After Sunday’s win, Trump invited the team to the State of the Union during a phone call in the locker room. Video of the exchange went viral online.
Trump joked that he would have to invite the women’s team as well, saying he would be “impeached” if he didn’t. The players laughed in response.
The U.S. women’s ice hockey team, which also won gold, later declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts.
Welcome to the White House
The team traveled to Miami on a charter flight on Monday before heading to Washington. Upon arrival, they posed for photographs in front of the south portico and walked the colonnade of the west wing before being welcomed into the Oval Office.
Celebrations and moments on social networks
Photos and videos from the White House visit were shared by administration officials. As the players approached the Oval Office, some stopped briefly at the press office to show off their medals, prompting applause from the staff.
The team’s appearance at the White House comes amid a broader public debate online, including criticism from some women’s hockey fans over remarks made during the invitation exchange.
State of the Union appearance
After visiting the White House, the gold medal-winning team was expected to attend Trump’s State of the Union address later Tuesday night, marking a ceremonial stop after their historic Olympic victory.
