In the midst of an ongoing trade war with their neighbors to the north (with whom they share this sports league), President Donald Trump avoided politics while welcoming the Stanley Cup champions to the White House. The Florida Panthers arrived a day early before their game against the high-flying Washington Capitals and paid a visit to the President's Mansion on Monday. They brought along Lord Stanley's Cup in tow and waited patiently while Trump arrived nearly an hour late to the East Room.

As it turned out, the reason for Trump's late arrival was because he was discussing the ongoing tariff war he's willingly put himself in with Canada and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The conversation ended with the two sides agreeing to pause any potential tariffs for 30 days. So Trump was able to turn his full attention to his guests and for the fist time in his second presidency, he welcomed the champions of an American sports league.

President Trump welcomed the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers to the White House. Trump delivers remarks in the presence of the Stanley Cup at the White House on Monday. L to R: Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov, President Trump, Panthers star Matthew Tkachuk. Among the attendees was Panthers owner Vinnie Viola, whom Trump made repeated references to their friendship. Viola, a West Point graduate, was once briefly Trump's nominee for Secretary of the Army during his first term in office. However, Viola backed out of consideration.

Presented to the newly-inaugurated president was a golden stick and two customized jerseys: one that said 'Trump 47' and one that said 'Trump 45-47'. When speaking, Trump commended the Panthers on an 'unbelievable season' in 2023-24. 'You secured the Atlantic Division title for the third time and after coming up just short of the Stanley Cup the year prior, you gave the fans one of the most riveting comebacks in NHL history, in any sport history,' Trump said.

Trump also joked about how the Panthers players were all wearing red ties - a nod to their team colors. Trump, who himself was wearing a red tie, remarked, 'I love all these ties. This is so cute. Look at them I walked in, I said - I think they like Trump. I like them.'. Panthers alternate captain Matthew Tkachuk was one of a few players to make statements at the lectern. Trump arrived an hour late after speaking with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

President Trump admires the championship ring of Panthers head coach Paul Maurice. 'This is such an incredible day for myself. You wake up every day and really grateful to be an American,' Tkachuck said before shaking Trump's hand. After the ceremony, the Panthers players and staff were invited to the Oval Office for pictures. Florida defeated the Edmonton Oilers last season in seven games to win the franchise's first ever Stanley Cup title.