A video has surfaced showing former President Donald Trump congratulating the Team USA men's hockey team following their dramatic Winter Olympics victory, while also making a humorous remark about the women's team. The call took place shortly after the US men's team came from behind to defeat rivals Canada 2-1 in overtime, mirroring the women's team's gold medal win just days earlier.
Celebrations in Milan and Presidential Invitation
FBI Director Kash Patel, who was in Milan for Sunday's final, joined the locker room celebrations, with footage appearing to show him drinking beer and partying with the players. In another clip, Patel organized a call with Trump, who congratulated the team on their gold medal achievement.
During the conversation, Trump invited the players to his State of the Union speech on Tuesday night, offering military transport regardless of weather conditions. "I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to, it's the coolest night," he said, adding, "The nice thing about being president is you don't have to worry about the weather or landing... we don't care if it's snowing, if it's the worst blizzard."
Trump's Joke About the Women's Team
Trump continued by promising a White House visit the following day, complete with medals for the players. He then cracked a joke that left the team laughing, stating, "And I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that." Trump humorously added that if he didn't invite them, "I do believe I would probably be impeached!"
The former president assigned Patel to organize the trip, with the FBI director enthusiastically responding, "I'm f***ing on it!" Trump also praised goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who saved 41 of 42 shots in the final, joking, "Your goalie played not bad... I have seen hockey goalies have slightly worse games than him." Hellebuyck responded by calling Trump "Dad."
Team and Coach Reactions
Coach Mike Sullivan later revealed more details about the call, noting Trump expressed pride in the team and congratulated everyone on the win. "Obviously this game in a lot of ways was an inspiration to our country," Sullivan said. "I can't tell you how many texts I've received over the last day or so about watch parties at eight in the morning. I think from a viewership standpoint in the United States, there were a lot of people paying attention, the president included."
Captain Auston Matthews described the moment as significant, saying, "This is a huge moment for us. A huge moment for the United States. He called, just congratulated us." However, Matthews acknowledged that a White House visit might be challenging due to a blizzard back home and the NHL's return on Wednesday.
Controversy Over Patel's Involvement
Patel, an amateur hockey player and avid fan, faced criticism for partying with the team after flying to Italy on a government jet, a trip that could cost taxpayers up to $75,000. Despite the FBI insisting it was a business trip, viral videos showed Patel drinking and celebrating wildly in the locker room, with a gold medal draped over his neck.
The FBI spokesperson, Ben Williamson, defended the trip, stating Patel had meetings with ambassadors, Italian law enforcement, and US agents, and noted the bureau's role in Olympic security. A source familiar with Patel's role added that the FBI will handle security for future major events like the FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Patel responded to the controversy on social media, writing, "For the very 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 - Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth."
The historic win, secured by Jack Hughes's golden goal, marked the first US men's hockey gold since 1980, sparking widespread celebrations and national pride.
