This past weekend, celebrities and athletes gathered on the White House Lawns to mark President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday and America’s 250th anniversary. In attendance were the biggest names in the country, including Mark Zuckerberg, Roman Reigns, Vice President JD Vance, and Team USA gold medalists Brady and Matthew Tkachuk.
The two NHL stars were, unfortunately, not part of the later stages of the playoffs and, as such, made their way to the mixed martial arts extravaganza.
Matthew Tkachuk Relays Surreal Experience of UFC Freedom 250 at Donald Trump’s White House
Going by their own words, it appears both Matthew and Brady Tkachuk were starstruck after finding themselves on the White House Lawns. Speaking on the latest edition of their Wingmen podcast, Matthew Tkachuk relayed what the experience was like in person.
“By far, not even close, the greatest sporting or anything event I will ever go to in my life,” the two-time Stanley Cup champion said. “Gotta give a shout-out to the Thunderbirds and the Blue Angels for that unbelievable fly-over at the start. Went straight up in the air; it’s like, am I watching Top Gun right now?
“Shoutout to all the volunteers, like the Secret Service. Unbelievable men and women just helping us along the way and making it a truly unbelievable time.”
“The greatest sporting event I will ever go to in my life.”
The boys’ experience at UFC Freedom 250 was one for the books ✅ pic.twitter.com/QTNDPNKsxJ
— Wingmen with Matthew and Brady Tkachuk (@Wingmenpod) June 16, 2026
An unbelievable time it was, by all accounts. The fight card itself was pretty packed with excitement. Justin Gaethje and Ciryl Gane’s wins were the highlight of the night as UFC head honcho Dana White delivered a packed card.
Boxer Tyson Fury was also spotted at the event, while Ivanka Trump, Tony Hinchliffe, Marco Rubio, and Kash Patel were also in attendance.
This, however, wasn’t the Tkachuks’ first time at the White House. Just a few months ago, the pair were invited by President Trump after beating Team Canada at the Winter Olympics to bring home the gold.
Matthew Tkachuk has @POTUS put on his gold medal!
“I’m not giving it back” 🤣 pic.twitter.com/QAR03fOzoe
— Margo Martin (@MargoMartin47) February 24, 2026
As a matter of fact, Matthew Tkachuk also let President Trump don his gold medal. As the Tkachuks and the rest of Team USA were celebrating in the locker room right after the win, President Trump gave them a call and extended an invite, leading to raucous celebrations.
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