‘That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,’ Trump says of congressional Democrats after introducing gold medal US hockey team
President Donald Trump brought most members of the House chamber—including many Democrats—to their feet during Tuesday night’s State of the Union when he honored the U.S. men’s hockey team for winning its first Olympic gold medal since 1980.
“Our country is winning again,” Trump said. “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. Until you came along we’re just always losing. But now we’re winning too much.’ And I say ‘No, no, no. You’re going to win again. You’re going to win big. You’re going to 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.”
A majority of the chamber, including a number of Democrats, stood in applause as members of the team entered.
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“That’s the first time I’ve ever seen them get up,” Trump said. “And, actually, not all of them did get up.” All Democratic attendees appeared to stand shortly thereafter when Trump said the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also defeated Canada to win the gold, would soon visit the White House. Trump also announced that he would give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who stopped 41 shots in the win over Canada.
It was a stark contrast to Trump’s speech to a joint session of Congress a year ago, when most Democrats did not stand for 13-year-old brain cancer survivor DJ Daniel who asked to be made an honorary Secret Service agent. Rachel Maddow called it “disgusting” that Trump made a “spectacle” of the event.
It’s been a whirlwind few days for the hockey team. After scoring the game-winning goal on Sunday, Jack Hughes reflected on the victory. “This is all about our country right now,” he said through missing teeth. “I love the USA. … I’m so proud to be American today. … Just a ballsy, gutsy win. That’s American hockey right there. … We’re USA. We’re so proud to be Americans. This night was all for our country. … We’re so proud to win for our country.”
The team’s patriotism was on full display as they returned to the United States. The night before Trump’s address, the Olympians were partying at E11even, a nightclub in Miami, where they belted out the national anthem and chanted “USA.”
The players landed Tuesday at Joint Base Andrews, where they greeted U.S. troops waiting on the tarmac and showcased their gold medals. They then took a tour of the White House as “Free Bird” played over the speakers.
As the Olympians walked into the Oval Office, Trump said, “I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you.” At one point, star winger Matthew Tkachuk handed his gold medal to Trump for a picture behind the Resolute Desk. “I’m not giving it back,” Trump joked, “I never thought I’d ever have this on.”