President Donald Trump turned Tuesday night’s State of the Union address into something far bigger than a standard political event, showcasing that nothing captures the American spirit quite like a historic gold medal and a gritty victory over Canada.
In a move that pumped up the chamber with pride, the President used his big speech to announce that Team USA goaltender Connor Hellebuyck will be the next recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
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With the gold medal-winning U.S. Men’s Olympic Hockey Team standing tall in the gallery, the room erupted as Trump honored the man who acted as a human shield for the country in the Winter Olympic Games.
"But I just want to tell you that the members of this great hockey squad will be very happy to hear that based on their vote and my vote, and in this case my vote was more important, that I will soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom," Trump told the crowd.
Connor Hellebuyck of Team United States. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
The announcement followed a viral moment from earlier in the day.
During the team’s visit to the White House, Hellebuyck was pictured with the Secretary of Defense seal.
For two weeks in Milan, Hellebuyckwaseffectively the Department of Defense. And the honor was well-earned.
The defining moment of his career came in the high-stakes showdown against a Canadian roster loaded with superstars.
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