Controversy Surrounds Trump’s Comments to U.S. Olympic Men’s Hockey Team

President Donald Trump’s recent phone call to the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team stirred up some controversy, particularly after he made a joke about the women’s team. During a congratulatory call with the gold medal winners, Trump remarked that the women’s team, which also triumphed over Canada in the Olympics, “must be invited” to the upcoming State of the Union address or “they’ll probably get impeached.”

This quip sparked laughter among the players, although backup goaltender Jeremy Swayman appeared to regret the comment. “We should have reacted differently,” Swayman told reporters when asked about the moment.

Teammates like Jack and Quinn Hughes made it clear that their team did a lot of celebrating together during the Olympics. Swayman expressed admiration for the women’s team, saying, “I know we’re very excited about the women’s team. We have a lot of respect for them. To share the gold medal with them is something we will be forever grateful for.”

The women’s team had to decline an invitation to Washington, D.C., due to scheduling issues, but President Trump mentioned plans to visit the White House soon.

In reflecting on their win, Jack Hughes noted that he thought about Megan Keller, who scored the decisive goal for the women’s team against Canada just days prior.

Quinn Hughes, who scored the extra-time goal against Sweden earlier, said he had “a great time” interacting with the women’s team in the Olympic Village. Their mother, Ellen, a former Team USA player, didn’t seem fazed by Trump’s remarks, stating, “These athletes, both men and women, can bring great unity to the group and to the country.” She added that supporters of both teams come from various political backgrounds but ultimately share a love for the game.

She emphasized the importance of camaraderie, noting, “If you look at what we see from the inside, the men and women are sharing dorms, and they’re rooting for each other. That’s what it’s all about.”