USA Women’s Hockey Team Declines State of the Union Invite After Trump’s Remark
- Women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, a decision that comes just days...
- The team, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on Thursday, February 19th, released a statement through USA Hockey explaining the decision was due to pre-existing academic and professional...
- The invitation followed President Trump’s congratulatory call to the U.S.
The U.S. Women’s hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address on , a decision that comes just days after their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
The team, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on , released a statement through USA Hockey explaining the decision was due to pre-existing academic and professional commitments. “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,” a spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.” The spokesperson also added that the team was “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The invitation followed President Trump’s congratulatory call to the U.S. Men’s hockey team after their own gold medal win against Canada on . During that call, as reported by NBC News, President Trump jokingly stated he would likely face impeachment if he didn’t extend an invitation to the women’s team as well. “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team,” he said. “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
The double gold medal performance by Team USA at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics marked a historic achievement for U.S. Hockey. It’s the first time the nation has swept the men’s and women’s hockey tournaments at a single Winter Games. The women’s team secured their first gold medal in eight years, while the men’s team captured their first since the legendary “Miracle on Ice” in 1980.
Both gold medal games were decided in overtime, showcasing the intense competition and dramatic finishes that defined the Olympic hockey tournament. The women’s team overcame a late deficit, tying the score in the third period before Megan Keller’s overtime goal sealed the victory. The men’s team also faced a tight contest, with Zach Werenski setting up Jack Hughes for the game-winning goal less than two minutes into the extra frame.
The U.S. Women’s team’s journey to gold was marked by resilience, and determination. Hilary Knight assisted on Keller’s game-tying goal in the third period, demonstrating the team’s collaborative spirit. The victory was a testament to their hard work, dedication, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
While the team will not be present at the State of the Union address, their accomplishment remains a source of national pride. The decision to decline the invitation, while understandable given the athletes’ prior commitments, underscores the complexities of navigating political recognition in the wake of athletic success. The team’s focus now shifts back to their individual pursuits, carrying the momentum of their Olympic triumph into their future endeavors.
The White House has not yet issued a comment regarding the team’s decision. The men’s team’s attendance at the State of the Union remains unconfirmed as of this report.