Johnson says he is working with House leaders to sort out seating for US Olympic men's hockey team

The scramble comes after President Donald Trump invited the team to his speech after they won gold against Canada in Italy on Sunday. The president also invited the Women's Hockey team, but they declined over other obligations.

Published: February 23, 2026 8:02pm

House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed to reporters Monday that his team is working with other House officials to figure out seating arrangements for the United States' Men's Olympic Hockey team at Tuesday's State of the Union address.

The scramble comes after President Donald Trump invited the team to his speech after they won gold against Canada in Italy on Sunday. The president also invited the Women's Hockey team, but they declined over other obligations. 

Johnson noted that it was a challenge to find seating for the dozens of players and coaches because of seating capacity issues, since all lawmakers are invited to the event and allowed to bring a guest. 

“There’s no way to have special guests on the floor because it’s a literal session of Congress,” he said. “But we’re going to work and do what we can to accommodate. [We are] trying to work out logistics to see if there’s some way to perhaps get them into the gallery and the doors, wave and receive the applause that they’re due.”

The Supreme Court and Cabinet officials are also expected to attend the annual address, which will add to the logistical challenge of seating arrangements. 

Trump is expected to give his speech Tuesday night at 9 p.m. Eastern.

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