President Donald Trump welcomed over 120 members of Team USA’s Winter Olympic and Paralympic teams to the White House, celebrating their remarkable achievements at the recent Milano Cortina Games. The athletes collectively secured a historic haul of 57 medals for the United States, including 12 gold medals, marking a new record for U.S. gold medals in a single Winter Games. This performance also represented the most medals—33 in total—won by Team USA in a Winter Olympics held outside of North America.
A Record-Breaking Performance
The President specifically highlighted the unprecedented success in gold medals, emphasizing that this year’s contingent surpassed all previous U.S. records for golds won in a single Winter Olympiad. The athletes’ dedication and skill were on full display, bringing national pride and significant recognition to American winter sports.
Paralympic Success Story
The Paralympic contingent also delivered an exceptional performance, contributing 24 additional medals to the U.S. total. Among these were 13 gold medals, with a particularly noteworthy achievement being the U.S. sled hockey team’s fifth consecutive gold medal victory. Trump lauded this accomplishment as one of the most dominant dynasties in international sports history, stating, “Paralympians bring home their fifth straight gold medal in sled hockey, extending one of the greatest dynasties in all of international sports and it’s amazing what you’ve done. Nobody’s ever done anything like it.” He took a moment to acknowledge members of this formidable team.
Hockey’s Moment of Glory
Turning to another sport that captured national attention, Trump made special mention of the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams, both of whom achieved victories against Canada in thrilling overtime contests. “The 2026 men’s Olympic hockey team. We celebrated together and it was really an incredible time. The women’s team and the men’s team — it was just incredible,” he remarked. He continued, “We can’t forget and never would — and nobody would have the courage to forget either because they are amazing. The history-making women’s hockey team. This team left everything on the ice.”
This recognition echoed a previous instance where Trump had invited members of the men’s Olympic hockey team to the State of the Union address shortly after their gold medal win. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck had also received the Presidential Medal of Freedom on the same day. Trump had faced some public commentary following a lighthearted remark during a call with the men’s team after their victory, where he jokingly suggested he might be “impeached” if he didn’t also extend an invitation to the women’s team to visit the White House.
USA Hockey had issued a statement at the time, expressing gratitude for the invitation but noting that the demanding schedules of their active college and professional players made attendance difficult. However, forwards Joy Dunne and Abbey Murphy were present at the White House event, standing with other Olympians and Paralympians behind the President, and were specifically acknowledged during his speech.
Gifts and Future Games
As a token of appreciation for their outstanding performance, President Trump was presented with a Team USA varsity jacket and a new pair of shoes. He concluded his remarks by congratulating all the athletes representing the United States.
Looking ahead, Trump expressed enthusiasm for future Winter Games, mentioning that while some athletes were already back in training for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the French Alps, Salt Lake City is slated to host the 2034 Winter Games. This upcoming hosting opportunity in Utah was a point of excitement he was keen to share.
