President Trump Congratulates Team USA Men’s Hockey on Olympic Gold Win

MILAN – President Donald Trump congratulated the United States men’s Olympic hockey team following their 2-1 overtime victory against Canada in the gold medal game on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The win marked the first gold medal for the U.S. In men’s hockey since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team.

According to Coach Mike Sullivan, President Trump spoke to the team, expressing his pride and congratulating them on the win. “Obviously this game, in a lot of ways, was an inspiration to our country,” Sullivan told reporters after the game. “I think, from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention, the president included.” Source

Invitation to the State of the Union

President Trump extended an invitation to the team to attend his State of the Union address, scheduled for Tuesday at the United States Capitol. Source Team captain Auston Matthews indicated that travel arrangements were still being finalized and a decision on whether the team would attend had not yet been made. Source

Previous Interactions and Political Context

This was not the first time President Trump had engaged with the team. In February 2025, he addressed many of the same players before the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game against Canada. Source That event occurred during a period when President Trump publicly discussed the possibility of adding Canada as the “51st state.” Source

Following the gold medal game, President Trump also posted a congratulatory message on his Truth Social account, stating, “Congratulations to our great U.S.A. Ice Hockey team. THEY WON THE GOLD. WOW!” and “WHAT A GAME!!!” and “LOTS OF WINNING!!!” Source

Social Media Exchange

The White House’s official X account reposted a post from former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau following Canada’s win in the 4 Nations final, which read, “You can’t take our country — and you can’t take our game.” The White House post included an image of an eagle appearing to attack a Canadian goose. Source

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney congratulated the Canadian team on their silver medal but did not comment on the U.S. Team or President Trump. Source

Women’s Hockey Victory

The United States also secured a gold medal in women’s hockey, defeating Canada on Thursday. The White House’s X account celebrated the win with a post stating, “We are so back. Red, white and blue running through our veins.” Source There was no indication that President Trump contacted the women’s team. Source