WASHINGTON January 15, 2026 – Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump welcomed the Florida Panthers to the White House on Thursday, January 15, 2026, to celebrate their second consecutive Stanley Cup victory in 2025. The NHL team, fresh off defeating the Edmonton Oilers in six games last June, marked their back-to-back championships with a ceremony in the East Room, attended by players, coaches, and team owner Vincent Viola.
During the event, Trump praised the team as “unbelievable athletes” and “players,” highlighting their achievement as the first NHL team in over 25 years to secure consecutive titles and White House visits. The Panthers presented the President with a custom jersey and a hockey stick, a tradition continued from their previous visit in February 2025 for the 2024 championship.
In a light-hearted moment captured by Fox News, Trump joked about the team’s youthful and athletic appearance, saying, “Good-looking people, young beautiful people. I hate them.” He followed up by quipping, “You hate standing here with all this power behind you. But I got power too. It’s called the United States military.” The remarks drew laughter from the assembled group, showcasing Trump’s signature blend of humor and bravado.
The ceremony underscored the Panthers’ dominance in the league, having clinched the 2025 Stanley Cup on June 17 after a hard-fought series against the Oilers. Team captains Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk were among those presenting gifts to the President, emphasizing the team’s South Florida roots and their rapid rise to NHL elite status since their inaugural championship in 2024.
Reactions to the event were mixed on social media, with some praising Trump’s playful interaction while others criticized it as emblematic of his unfiltered style. The visit comes amid Trump’s ongoing second term, where sports championships have become opportunities to blend politics and celebration.
The Florida Panthers’ White House tradition dates back to their first title, and this repeat honor places them in rare company among professional sports teams. As the team looks ahead to the 2025-2026 season, they aim to extend their dynasty further.For more updates on national events and sports, follow Life News Agency on X @lifenewsmy.
About The Author
