Trump Invites US Olympic Hockey Teams to White House, Women’s Team Declines
U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Declines Invitation to State of the Union
The U.S. Women’s Olympic hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing previously scheduled commitments. The decision comes after the team won a gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime on February 19, 2026.
President Trump initially extended the invitation to the team following a call with the U.S. Men’s hockey team, who also won gold at the Olympics, beating Canada on Sunday. During the call, held in the men’s team locker room, Trump joked that he would likely face impeachment if he didn’t also invite the women’s team. “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team — you do know that?” he said, prompting laughter from the players.
“I do believe I probably would be impeached,” the President added, according to reports.
A spokesperson for USA Hockey stated that while the team was grateful for the invitation, logistical challenges prevented their attendance. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The decision by the women’s team follows a similar pattern of athletes declining invitations from President Trump. The invitation to both the men’s and women’s hockey teams came after Trump offered to transport the men’s team to Washington, D.C. On a military plane.
Several members of the U.S. Women’s hockey team have commitments to the Professional Women’s Hockey League, which resumes action on February 26, 2026. Others are college athletes with games scheduled for Friday, February 27, 2026. The NHL season also resumes on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
The U.S. Women’s team’s victory over Canada marked a thrilling end to the Olympic women’s hockey final, securing the gold medal for the United States.