Trump sparks awkward moment with Somali remark at ‘Miracle on Ice’ ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC: Legendary US hockey stars returned to the White House on Friday, where President Donald Trump's off-the-cuff humor sparked an awkward moment during a ceremony honoring one of the most iconic achievements in American sports history.

Trump welcomed members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” US Olympic hockey team to sign a bill awarding them Congressional Gold Medals, nearly 46 years after their improbable gold medal run at the Lake Placid Winter Olympics stunned the world. 

Trump’s 'Somalia' remark during the Miracle on Ice White House ceremony

The moment unfolded as former defenseman Bill Baker stepped forward during the bill-signing ceremony.

As he shook hands with Trump, Baker mentioned that he, like many of his teammates, was from Minnesota.

Minnesota is home to the largest Somali-American population in the United States and has been a frequent focus of Trump’s recent rhetoric on immigration.

“I’m from Minnesota, which I know right now doesn’t ring very well,” Baker told the President. “Hopefully we can get that turned around.”

Trump seized on the comment.

“Do we have any Somalians on the team?” Trump replied. “I don’t think so.”

The remark drew nervous laughter from those in attendance.

Thirteen of the 20 members of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” roster were Minnesotans, a fact frequently noted in retellings of the team’s unlikely journey to Olympic gold.

Trump was also heard referencing Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar, a longtime political adversary, as the exchange continued.

Trump’s recent attacks on Ilhan Omar and Minnesota’s Somali community

The quip came days after Trump made remarks targeting Minnesota’s Somali community, comments that critics labeled xenophobic and dehumanizing.

At a recent event, Trump suggested members of the Somali community should be deported and used inflammatory language while singling out Omar.

“We’re going to go the wrong way if we keep taking in garbage into our country,” Trump said. “Ilhan Omar is garbage. She’s garbage. Her friends are garbage.”

He claimed he did not know Omar personally but said he had watched her criticize the United States for years, calling her “incompetent” and “a terrible person.”

Omar responded earlier in the week, condemning Trump’s comments and accusing him of targeting Somali Americans.

“These are Americans that he is calling garbage,” Omar said during an appearance on 'Face the Nation.' “It’s disgusting. It’s completely disgusting.”

She added that Trump appeared fixated on her and her community, warning that such rhetoric could have dangerous consequences. 

Miracle on Ice team honored nearly 46 years after historic Olympic win

Despite the controversy, Trump proceeded with the formal recognition of the 1980 team, awarding Congressional Gold Medals for their historic achievement.

The appearance of the team alongside Trump was not unexpected. Several former players have publicly supported the Republican president in the past, with some joining him at campaign events during the 2020 election cycle.

Team captain Mike Eruzione, goaltender Jim Craig, and forward Buzz Schneider attended the ceremony, along with several other teammates and the son of late head coach Herb Brooks.

Dubbed the “Miracle on Ice,” the US squad was made up largely of college players, with an average age of just 21. They faced a dominant Soviet Union team stacked with veteran professionals who had won gold in five of the previous six Winter Olympics.

Against all expectations, the Americans defeated the Soviets 4–2 before beating Finland two days later to secure the gold medal on home ice.

Broadcaster Al Michaels’ call, “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” remains one of the most enduring moments in sports history.

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