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President Donald Trump honored the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic hockey team with a bill-signing ceremony in the Oval Office on Friday.
“This is very interesting. This was one of the America's greatest sports moments. I have a very interesting team of champions behind me,” Trump said in the presence of numerous team members.
“It was an amazing event. There were other troubles in the world. I didn't notice them getting any of that, right? You are the only ones who suffered. This is cool.
“We are thrilled to be joined today by legends of American sports history and heroes across the nation—the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. It was one of the greatest moments I've ever seen in sports, and I love sports. These are the people who gave us one of the most legendary sports victories of all time.”
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President Donald Trump, joined by the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic 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 wore to the 1980 opening ceremony, and team captain Mike Eruzion awarded Trump a replica.
“More importantly, I don’t think words can explain how proud we are of what you’ve done for our team,” Eruzione said. “The honor you have given our team is incredible.”
Goalie Jim Craig thanked Trump for “the courage you show this country every single 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 father 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.”
Team USA players celebrate on the ice after winning the medal game against the USSR at the Olympic Fieldhouse at the Olympic Center 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 in attendance.
Trump signed HR 452, which awarded Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. men's Olympic ice hockey team in recognition of the team's accomplishments at the 1980 Winter Olympics.
A team of amateurs and college players completed the “Miracle on Ice” in a stunning upset of the Soviet Union, long considered the favorite and an international power. The victory gave the Americans a chance to win gold, which they did by defeating Finland two days later.
Adviсe crushed the United States in a pre-Olympic exhibition match at Madison Square Garden, but the Americans caught fire at just the right moment. In that game, the Russians famously benched longtime starting goaltender Vladislav Tretiak after he allowed a goal with a second left in the first period that tied the score at two.
The Americans trailed 3-2 heading into third, but Mark Johnson tied the game midway through the final period. Less than two minutes later, Eruzione scored what would ultimately be the winning goal and was surrounded by the crowd on the ice.
Mike Eruzione at the 1980 Winter Olympics. (Heinz Klütmeier/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
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“Miracle on Ice” comes from Al Michaels' famous poetic call when he rhetorically asked the audience, “Do you believe in miracles?” He answered his question decisively: “Yes!”
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