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President Donald Trump honored the 1980 United States men’s Olympic hockey team during a bill signing ceremony Friday in the Oval Office.
“It’s very exciting. This has been one of the greatest moments in American sports. We have a very exciting team of champions behind me,” Trump said in the presence of many team members. “It was an incredible event. There were other upheavals in the world – I didn’t notice them, did I? You’re the only ones. It’s great.”
“We are thrilled to be joined today by legends of American sports history and heroes of the entire nation: the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team. It was one of the greatest moments I have ever seen in sports, and I love sports. These are the men who gave us one of the most memorable sports victories of all time.”
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U.S. President Donald Trump, joined by the 1980 U.S. Olympic men’s ice hockey team, holds up a bill in honor of the team in the Oval Office of the White House December 13, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)
Team members wore the hats they had worn during the 1980 opening ceremony, and team captain Mike Eruzione rewarded Trump with a retort.
“Most importantly, I don’t think words can explain how proud we are of what you have done for our team. The honor you have bestowed on our team is incredible.”
Goalie Jim Craig thanked Trump for “the courage you show this 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, he 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 at the Olympic Fieldhouse at the Olympic Center. Miracle on ice. The scene occurred in Lake Placid, New York on February 22, 1980. (Eric Schweicardt/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
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Herb Brooks’ son, Dan, was also in attendance.
Trump signed H.R. 452, which awards “Congressional Gold Medals to members of the 1980 U.S. Olympic ice hockey team in recognition of the team’s achievements at the 1980 Winter Olympics.”
The team, made up of amateur and college players, achieved the “Miracle on Ice” by defeating the Soviets, who were considered the favorites and an international powerhouse for years. The victory propelled the Americans into a chance to win gold, which the Stars and Stripes accomplished by defeating Finland two days later.
The Soviets had beaten the United States in a pre-Olympic exhibition game at Madison Square Garden, but the Americans heated up at just the right time. In the game, the Russians benched longtime starting goaltender Vladislav Tretiak after allowing a goal with just one second left in the first period, which tied the game at two.
The Americans trailed 3-2 early in the third period, but Mark Johnson tied the game midway through the final period. Less than two minutes later, Eruzione scored what was ultimately 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)
The “Miracle on Ice” comes from Al Michaels’ famous play-by-play, in which he rhetorically asked viewers, “Do you believe in miracles?” He answered his own question with a “Yes!” » categorically.
