In a light-hearted moment at the White House, President Donald Trump joked with ice hockey star Matthew Tkachuk regarding Tkachuk's Olympic gold medal, which he humorously refused to return. The occasion was part of a celebratory event following the U.S. men's hockey team's victory at the Winter Olympics 2026, where they triumphed over Canada. This kind of playful banter added an entertaining twist to a serious celebration of sports achievements.

The event, held on February 24, embraced a friendly and festive atmosphere, with Trump receiving several players from the gold medal-winning team in the Oval Office. As players stood behind the president, showcasing their medals, Tkachuk, who is a forward and the alternate captain of the Florida Panthers, invited Trump to try on his medal. The president initially agreed but quickly made a playful quip by stating he wouldn't return it, leading to laughter in the room and creating a memorable moment for those present during the photo opportunity.

Videos from the event captured Trump placing the medal around his neck, expressing his excitement with phrases like, "This is amazing... I never imagined wearing this medal." Tkachuk also joined in on the humor, suggesting he would exchange the medal for a pen, referencing past moments related to Trump's signature and public persona. This interaction reflects the light-hearted side of political events and adds a personal touch to interactions between sports figures and political leaders, highlighting the importance of sports as a unifying factor in American culture.