Trump smiles as he wears hat gifted by ‘Miracle on Ice’ Olympic hockey team

WASHINGTON, DC: On Friday, December 12, President Trump hosted members of the historic 1980 US Olympic men’s ice hockey team at the White House and signed legislation awarding them Congressional Gold Medals.

The ceremony celebrated the enduring legacy of the team best known for its stunning “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union at the 1980 Winter Olympic Games in Lake Placid. 

‘Miracle on Ice’ team honored by Donald Trump

Speaking during the bill-signing ceremony, Trump praised the achievement, calling it “one of the greatest moments in the history of US sports.”

The legislation, which passed both the House and the Senate in September, authorized Congressional Gold Medals to formally recognize the team’s historic Olympic triumph and its lasting impact on American sports culture.

During the ceremony, former players stood behind Trump, many wearing white cowboy hats similar to those they famously wore ahead of the 1980 competition. The team also presented Trump with a replica hat during the event. 

Team captain Michael Eruzione addressed Trump, saying, “On behalf of the team, we have a replica hat that we wore at the opening ceremonies in Lake Placid. We’d like you to have that.”

He added, “More importantly, I don’t think words can explain how proud we are of what you’ve done for our team. Thank you very much.”

Trump, accepting the gift, briefly joked about adjusting the hat before posing for photographs with the team.

Family members of the late coach Herb Brooks were also present, representing the man who led the underdog squad to its improbable Olympic victory.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the team was being recognized for its “American greatness” and for inspiring a resurgence of national pride following its win over the Soviet Union.

Donald Trump put on a hat gifted by the 1980 US Olympic men’s ice hockey team during the Oval Office ceremony (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

‘Miracle on Ice’ legacy and players’ reflections

Reflecting on the honor, Eruzione said, “This is an absolutely incredible honor. When you put a USA jersey on, you’re playing for your country, not for your state, town, or city.”

Another teammate echoed the sentiment, calling the recognition a proud moment for the entire group and their families.

The “Miracle on Ice” remains one of the most iconic moments in sports history. The largely amateur US team defeated a heavily favored Soviet squad that had won gold at the previous four Olympic Games.

Just weeks before the Olympics, Brooks’ team had suffered a 10–3 loss to the Soviet in a pre-Games exhibition at Madison Square Garden, making the eventual upset even more dramatic.

In the semifinal matchup, Team USA rallied to defeat the Soviet Union 4–3 in a game immortalized by broadcaster Al Michaels’ call, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” The Americans went on to beat Finland two days later to secure the Olympic gold medal.