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President Donald Trump rolled out the red carpet this week for America’s winners. The White House hosted Team USA from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in a reception meant to celebrate hard work, grit, and medals — not pundit points. This was a chance to cheer our athletes and the people who stood behind them.
White House reception honors Team USA and Paralympians
The medal count was worth cheering: Team USA returned with 33 Olympic medals — 12 gold, 12 silver and nine bronze — while U.S. Paralympians earned 24 medals, including 13 golds. The three hockey teams pulled off a national headline by each beating Canada for gold. Jack Hughes even scored the overtime winner in the men’s final, a finish that will be replayed for years. The White House reception was a simple, Republican-style salute to winners: meet, thank, and celebrate.
Politics should not hijack the podium
A moment to put partisanship on ice
Some will make this a political story, as if celebrating gold medals is a controversial act. Earlier this year, different teams chose different ways to celebrate — some accepted White House visits while others held private events. Fine. But let’s stop turning medal ceremonies into theater for the cable channels. If you win for the country, you deserve to be welcomed by your country, no matter who sits in the Oval Office. That seems simple enough — unless you prefer scoring points with hashtags over honoring hard work.
What the reception says about national pride and support
Hosting Olympians and Paralympians sends a clear message: America cheers excellence and resilience. The Paralympic results deserve equal praise — 13 golds is no small feat and shows the strength of our para programs. The hockey sweep over Canada rekindled a classic rivalry and reminded fans the U.S. can win on the biggest stage. A White House reception is a small thing, but symbols matter. Leaders should use those moments to unite, not divide.
In the end, this was about the athletes. President Donald Trump and the White House gave Team USA its victory lap. The rest of us should do what fans do best: applaud, be proud, and let the athletes enjoy their moment. Save the politics for the hill — not the medal stand. Go Team USA.
