Trump jokes 'never giving this back’ after Jordan Stolz places gold medal around his neck

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WISCONSIN: President Donald Trump briefly accepted an Olympic gold medal from American speed skating champion Jordan Stolz during a roundtable event with farmers in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, on Friday, June 5.

Stolz, a Wisconsin native and two-time Olympic gold medalist, presented the medal to Trump after being recognized by the president before an audience of local farmers, athletes and Republican officials. Trump responded with a series of remarks praising the athlete before later returning the medal at the end of the event.

Jordan Stolz presents medal to Trump during Wisconsin roundtable

The exchange took place during a roundtable discussion focused on agricultural issues, where Trump was joined by Rep Derrick Van Orden (R-Wis), Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and several local farmers and business leaders.

While addressing attendees, Trump recognized Stolz for his achievements at the Winter Olympics. “And finally, two-time gold medal winner in speed skating at this year’s Winter Olympics, Jordan Stolz,” Trump said. “Where the hell is he?”

As Stolz approached the stage, members of the audience began chanting “U-S-A, U-S-A.” The Olympic champion then placed what appeared to be an Olympic gold medal around Trump’s neck. Trump stood to greet him before joking with the crowd about keeping the medal. 

“I’m keeping it. I’m keeping it, Jordan. I’m not giving it back. I’m a very good guy for keeping gold. I like gold. I’m never giving this back. Congratulations,” Trump said. The moment drew applause from attendees before the discussion resumed.

Stolz, who won two gold medals and a silver medal at the Milan Winter Olympics, also addressed the audience and spoke about the role farmers play in supporting athletes. “As an athlete, I try and eat as clean as possible, you know, a lot of steak, a lot of dairy,” Stolz said. “I don’t think people really understand how much you guys make a difference in the country.”

Trump praises Stolz and former NFL star Joe Thomas

During the event, Trump also commented on Stolz’s athletic build and achievements. “I forgot to touch his leg,” Trump said. “I didn’t want to do that. But I can tell you one thing, his leg is like a rock.” The president later returned the medal to Stolz before the roundtable concluded.

Trump also singled out former NFL offensive lineman Joe Thomas, who attended the event as a representative of Wisconsin’s agricultural community. Thomas, a Pro Football Hall of Famer and cattle farmer, participated in the discussion about farming and food production. “Look at the size of this guy,” Trump said of Thomas. “Boy, oh boy.”

He later described the former football player as “one hell of a physical specimen” and “a good-looking man.”

The Wisconsin visit marked Trump’s first trip to the state since the 2024 election and came as he highlighted economic and agricultural policies during appearances in one of the nation’s closely watched congressional districts.