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President Donald Trump honored the 1980 United States men’s Olympic hockey team with a bill signing ceremony in the Oval Office on Friday.
“This is very exciting. This was one of the greatest moments in American sports. We have a very exciting team of champions behind me,” Trump said as numerous team members attended. “This was an amazing event. There were other surprises in the world; I haven’t noticed you guys having any of these, right? You guys are the only ones. That’s cool.”
“We are thrilled to be joined today by legends of American sports history and heroes from across the nation: the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. This was one of the greatest moments I have ever seen in sports, and I like sports. These are the men who gave us one of the most historic athletic victories of all time.”
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United States President Donald Trump, along with the 1980 United States Olympic men’s ice hockey team, holds a bill honoring the team in the Oval Office of the White House on December 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Team members wore the hats they donned at the 1980 opening ceremony, and team captain Mike Eruzione rewarded Trump with a replica.
“More importantly, I don’t think words can explain how proud we are of what you have done for our team. The honor you have brought to our team is incredible.”
Goalkeeper Jim Craig thanked Trump for “the courage he shows the country every day and for making our country safe again.”
“The pride we felt in 1980 was incredible and we are beginning to feel it again thanks to your leadership,” added Bill Baker.
“My dad believed. He believed in the American hockey player, he believed in his country, he loved this team, he loved his country. I wish he was here, but it’s an honor to represent him.”
Hockey: 1980 Winter Olympics: General view of Team USA players celebrating on the ice after winning their medal round game against the USSR in the Olympic Fieldhouse at the Olympic Center. Miracle on ice. The scene occurred in Lake Placid, New York, on February 22, 1980. (Eric Schweikardt/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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Herb Brooks’ son Dan was also present.
Trump signed HR 452, which awarded “Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 US Olympic men’s ice hockey team in recognition of the team’s achievements at the 1980 Winter Olympics.”
The team, which included amateur and college players, completed the “Miracle on Ice” with a stunning upset over the Soviets, who were considered the favorites and an international power for years. The victory catapulted the Americans into a shot at gold, which the Stars and Stripes accomplished by defeating Finland two days later.
The Soviets had defeated the United States in a pre-Olympic exhibition match at Madison Square Garden, but the Americans became angry at the right time. In the game, the Russians benched starting goaltender Vladislav Tretiak after he allowed a goal with just one second left in the first period that tied the game at two.
The Americans trailed 3-2 entering the third, but Mark Johnson tied the game midway through the fourth period. Less than two minutes later, Eruzione scored what would ultimately be the game-winning goal and was mobbed on the ice.
Mike Eruzione at the 1980 Winter Olympics. (Photo by Heinz Kluetmeier/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
“Miracle on Ice” comes from Al Michaels’ famous play-by-play call, in which he rhetorically asked viewers, “Do you believe in miracles?” He answered his own question with an emphatic “Yes!”
