President Donald Trump began his State of the Union address on Tuesday night with anger toward the MAGAverse over what they viewed as an insult to the U.S. men’s hockey team.
Many spectators stood and cheered loudly, applauding the Olympic gold medalists; chanting “USA! USA!” rang out as the athletes entered the stadium.
However, some of the president’s online supporters were quick to point out that not everyone in attendance stood and applauded, with some rushing to point the finger at Democrats, including the president himself.
“This is the first time I’ve seen [The Democrats] Stand up,” Trump joked, adding, “Actually, not everyone stood up. “
Donald Trump delivers his 2026 State of the Union address. /Andrew Caballero Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images
Several Democrats in the chamber stood to applaud the hockey players, but some remained seated. As the cheers continued, others stood first, then sat down.
During his speech, the president announced that Winnipeg Jets goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He did not mention whether other players would also receive the honor.
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Others were quick to echo the same narrative, with Outkick founder Clay Travis writing: “It’s crazy that so many Democrats have Trump Derangement Syndrome that they refuse to stand and applaud the U.S. gold medal hockey team.”
Federalist Party co-founder Sean Davis also noted the lack of applause, while Trump senior adviser Jason Miller responded to his post, calling Democrats “horrible humans. Really pathetic.”
Members of the U.S. men’s hockey team spoke at the State of the Union address, including brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes. /Kenny Holston-Poole/Getty Images
Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, noted that the hockey players were placed among the reporters, writing on the
NewsBusters’ Curtis Houck responded to Fleischer’s post, calling reporters who didn’t applaud “extremely out of touch with reality.”
The men’s hockey team’s visit to Washington, D.C., sparked huge controversy on Sunday after winning gold in Milan, with many fans criticizing the players for partying with FBI Director Kash Patel immediately after the game and mocking Trump for making fun of the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won a gold medal.
During a locker room call with the team, Trump joked: “I have to tell you, we have to bring the women’s team, you know that.”
“I think if I hadn’t done that, I do believe I could have been impeached,” he added. Several players can be seen laughing in response. The president also invited the players to Washington for the State of the Union address and visited the White House during the call.
While the women’s team declined the president’s invitation, citing previously scheduled commitments, most of the men’s team members attended and met with the president at the White House ahead of the State of the Union address, even offering him a chance to handle an Olympic medal despite his history of coveting other people’s awards.
“Yeah, I’m going to wear it,” Trump said when Matthew Tkachuk handed Trump the gold medal. “And I’m not giving it back.”
Players who did not visit the White House with their teammates include Brock Nelson, Kyle Connor, Jackson Lacombe, Jake Oettinger and Jake Guentzel. In addition, captains Auston Matthews and Clayton Keller, who traveled to the White House, also did not attend the State of the Union address.
Guentzel was cleared to play by the Tampa Bay Lightning but chose to go home, while Winnipeg Jets player Kyle Connor told reporters he opted out to prepare for his team’s game Wednesday.
