WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 24: The U.S. Olympic men's ice hockey team arrives for U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress in the House Chamber at the Capitol on February 24, 2026 in Washington, DC. Trump delivered his address days after the Supreme Court struck down the administration's tariff strategy, and amid a U.S. military buildup in the Persian Gulf threatening Iran. (Photo by Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images)
Connor Hellebuyck was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Donald Trump during his State of the Union address.
Hellebuyck was a part of the 2026 men’s U.S. hockey team that won the gold medal in the 2026 Winter Olympics. He was the team’s goalie and earned the nickname “secretary of defense” for his defense of the goal. He had a game-saving block during the gold medal game against Canada.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor a civilian can receive. The medal is given to people who make the greatest contribution to American society. The medal has been given to 671 people and the Apollo 13 mission operations team. The award was created by President John F. Kennedy, though President Lyndon B. Johnson was the first to present it after Kennedy’s assassination.
Trump awarded 24 medals during his first term. Some notable athletes include Babe Ruth, Roger Staubach, Bob Cousy, Mariano Rivera, Jerry West and Tiger Woods.
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In 2022, President Joe Biden gave the medal to Simone Biles. At 25, she was the youngest person to ever win the award.
Trump has awarded four medals since the start of his second term. Charlie Kirk is the only one who’s officially received the award, with his wife, Erika, accepting it posthumously. Trump has announced his intent to give the award to Rudy Giuliani, Dr. Ben Carson and Hellebuyck.
No award date has been announced for Giuliani, Carson or Hellebuyck. Medals are generally awarded at an annual ceremony, though in some cases, like Kirk, they are given out individually.
Biden gave out 19 during his last medal ceremony.
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