Overview
- President Donald Trump received the men’s Olympic hockey team at the White House and said goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
- The men’s players later attended the State of the Union in the Capitol following their return from Italy.
- USA Hockey said the women’s gold medalists could not attend due to previously scheduled academic and professional commitments, while thanking the White House for the invitation.
- Viral videos showed FBI Director Kash Patel drinking and celebrating in the men’s locker room, prompting criticism over propriety as Patel and the FBI said his Italy travel was for official meetings and followed rules.
- The White House amplified celebrations on social media, including an image widely read as a jab at Canada that referenced a past post by Justin Trudeau.