Hilary Knight Responds to President Trump’s Remarks on Women’s Hockey Team

Hilary Knight has shared her thoughts regarding President Donald Trump’s sarcastic comments about the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, who recently clinched the gold medal at the Olympics.

During a phone call with the men’s gold medal-winning team, Trump suggested that the women’s team, after defeating Canada, “must be invited” to the upcoming State of the Union address. He added that if they weren’t, he “will likely be impeached.”

Knight, the captain and leading scorer of the women’s team, expressed on ESPN’s “SportsCenter” that the President’s “offensive jokes” have overshadowed the achievements of women in sports. She stated, “I thought that was kind of an unpleasant joke, and unfortunately that overshadows a lot of the success, the success of being the only woman on the U.S. team at the Olympics and winning a great gold medal.”

She emphasized the importance of celebrating the remarkable efforts of women, noting that “we will not undermine that with offensive jokes.” Knight also conveyed disappointment that members of the men’s team seemed to laugh at Trump’s remarks.

She mentioned, “I think there’s a real level of support and respect there, but this has unfortunately overshadowed it.” Knight acknowledged that the situation was tricky for the men, and it’s regrettable that it took focus away from their connection and mutual encouragement.

The men’s backup goaltender, Jeremy Swayman, conceded that the team “should have reacted differently” to Trump’s comments. He, along with teammates Jack and Quinn Hughes, praised the women’s team. Swayman remarked, “I know we’re very excited about the women’s team. We have a lot of respect for them. Sharing the gold medal is something we will always be grateful for.”

Jack Hughes also reflected on the recent game, noting that when he scored, he thought of Megan Keller, who had netted the winning goal for the women’s team a few days before against Canada.

Both brothers’ mother, Ellen, a former Team USA player now on the player development staff, mentioned that the focus should be on uniting and supporting the players. She said it fosters a sense of cohesion for the group and the nation.

Knight made a significant contribution to the women’s victory by scoring the tying goal late in the third period, which set the stage for Keller’s golden goal, marking the team’s third Olympic gold medal.