Team USA Celebrates Olympic Hockey Gold with President Trump and FBI Director Patel

The U.S. Men’s hockey team’s first Olympic gold medal victory since the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” was met with a celebratory atmosphere that extended beyond the ice rink, including a congratulatory call from President Donald Trump and a locker room celebration with FBI Director Kash Patel.

Gold Medal Celebration Takes a Political Turn

Following their thrilling 2-1 overtime win over Canada at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, Team USA received a phone call from President Trump. The president invited the team to the State of the Union address on Tuesday, even offering to arrange military transport from Miami, where the team was scheduled to fly to avoid winter storms in the northeast.

We’ll do the White House,” Trump told players. “We’ll just have some fun, we have medals for you guys. And we have to — I must tell you — we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do understand that,” NBC News

Trump continued, adding with a chuckle, I do believe I probably would be impeached [if I didn’t]. NBC News

Patel Joins the Celebration

FBI Director Kash Patel joined the team in the locker room, where videos show him chugging beer, spraying it on team members, banging on tables, and receiving a gold medal from alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk. Patel also posted photos of himself with the team, including overtime hero Jack Hughes and the Tkachuk brothers, holding an American flag.

For the particularly concerned media — yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys,” Kash Patel via X

Patel added, Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth. Kash Patel via X

Response from USA Hockey and the Women’s Team

The U.S. Women’s hockey team has declined President Trump’s invitation to attend the State of the Union address, citing previously scheduled commitments. A USA Hockey spokesperson stated the team was sincerely grateful for the invitation and honored to be included.

Context Amidst Ongoing Issues

The celebrations occurred as the FBI, under Director Patel’s leadership, navigates multiple urgent issues, including an incident where a Secret Service agent fatally shot an armed man attempting to enter President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida. Patel has also faced scrutiny regarding the utilize of FBI resources, including allegations of personal travel and visits to his girlfriend.

Patel defended his presence in Milan, stating he was there for multiple partner and counterpart meetings including the Ambassador, MOU signings, LEGAT meetings, security briefings and more. MS Now via X