Trump Signs Congressional Gold Medal Act Honoring 1980 ‘Miracle on Ice’ U.S. Hockey Team

The Congressional Gold Medal Act formally recognizes the entire team for its extraordinary achievement at the 1980 Winter Games, where the young and largely amateur American squad stunned the heavily favored Soviet Union in a match that became one of the most iconic moments in sports history. The victory, followed by the team’s gold medal finish, resonated far beyond the rink, symbolizing determination and unity during a tense period of the Cold War.

By signing the act, President Trump authorized Congress’s highest civilian honor to be bestowed on the players who made up the 1980 team. The legislation underscores the enduring national significance of their achievement and acknowledges the lasting cultural and historical impact of their Olympic success. Trump, while approving the measure, praised the team’s exceptional accomplishment and its contribution to American sports history.

The Congressional Gold Medal is reserved for individuals or groups whose achievements have had a profound and lasting influence on American society. With this recognition, the 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team joins a select group of honorees whose actions are considered milestones in the nation’s story.

More than four decades after their improbable triumph, the “Miracle on Ice” continues to stand as a defining moment in Olympic history. The passage and signing of this act reaffirm the team’s legacy, ensuring that their achievement is formally preserved and honored as a symbol of perseverance, national pride, and the enduring power of sport to inspire generations.