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Donald Trump used his 2026 State of the Union address to announce a major honor for Olympic hockey star Connor Hellebuyck and touch on the ongoing women’s hockey team controversy.
The move has sparked reaction from across the political and sports communities. It came amid broader discussion of the Olympic success of U.S. hockey this year.
Donald Trump honors Connor Hellebuyck with the Medal of Freedom
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During the speech, Trump announced that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will receive the highest civilian honor in our country, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
“Great athletes have gotten that, very great, the best, and I thought he [Connor Hellebuyck] deserved it, and I did take a vote,” Trump said.
He added: “I said, ‘I’m not giving it, if anybody goes no.’ Every single one of them rapidly put up their hand. What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”
Hellebuyck’s performance in helping the U.S. men’s hockey team secure Olympic gold has been widely celebrated, and Trump’s declaration highlighted the significance of his contributions both on and off the ice.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the United States’ top civilian award, given for exceptional contributions to national life.
Donald Trump joke ignites women’s hockey team controversy
Trump’s remarks also drew attention due to a controversial joke he made while congratulating the Olympic men’s team.
After inviting them to the State of the Union, he quipped that he would “probably be impeached” if he did not bring the US women’s hockey team as well, a comment met with laughter from the men’s squad but criticism online as dismissive of the women’s accomplishments.
The US women’s hockey team, fresh from their own gold medal triumph, declined the State of the Union invitation because of prior academic and professional commitments, a decision that has also been central to discussions about recognition and respect for women’s sports.
Trump later noted they would be honored at a separate White House visit “soon”, which has done little to quell debate about his remarks.
The inclusion of both praise and political humor in such a high-profile address underlines how sport, achievement, and broader cultural tensions continue to intersect in the national spotlight.
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