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Trump Honors Men's Hockey Team, Sparks Backlash from Goldberg

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump honored the men's Olympic hockey team during the State of the Union, omitting other gold medalists.
Whoopi Goldberg criticized this choice.
Co-host Joy Behar labeled Trump as "not well" and "insanely rude."
Trump invited the women’s hockey team, but they declined due to commitments.
Flavor Flav invited the women’s team to celebrate in Las Vegas, and the White House has not commented on the situation.

History

Historical Context

The 1980 "Miracle on Ice" saw the U.S. men's hockey team, composed mainly of amateur players, defeat the heavily favored Soviet Union 4–3 during the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid. This victory, celebrated by President Jimmy Carter, symbolized American resilience amid Cold War tensions. The U.S. later secured gold by beating Finland, marking a pivotal moment in sports history and national pride.

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Story summary

U.S. President Donald Trump honored the men's Olympic hockey team during the State of the Union, omitting other gold medalists.
Whoopi Goldberg criticized this choice.
Co-host Joy Behar labeled Trump as "not well" and "insanely rude."
Trump invited the women’s hockey team, but they declined due to commitments.
Flavor Flav invited the women’s team to celebrate in Las Vegas, and the White House has not commented on the situation.

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