Jack Hughes, a member of the U.S. gold medal-winning hockey team, received an invitation to the State of the Union address after the team’s victory against Canada. He expressed excitement about meeting President Trump, stating that he and his teammates felt proud to represent their country.
“If we have the chance to visit the White House, it’s a significant honor,” Hughes shared after the team’s celebration in Miami, recalling his winning goal in the close 2-1 match. “Regardless of what people might think, we’re really eager to be a part of this experience.”
While the men’s team is set to meet the president in Washington, D.C., the U.S. women’s hockey team opted not to attend the State of the Union. Hughes brushed aside any criticism directed at the men’s team for accepting the invitation.
“There’s so much negativity out there on social media these days,” he remarked. “It’s as if people want to find fault and make something out of nothing.”
Hughes dismissed any ideas of rifts between the men’s and women’s teams due to their different responses to the invitation. “They’re really busy too, and the dynamic in the Olympic Village is quite close,” he noted.
The women’s team mentioned it couldn’t accept the invitation because of prior commitments. A spokesperson for USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the recognition of their achievements, confirming they would not participate due to scheduling conflicts post-Olympics.
Jennifer Siebel Newsom, wife of Gavin Newsom, made a lighthearted comment about the situation after the women’s team declined the invitation. She quipped that perhaps they prefer events where women’s contributions are honored.
During a phone call moderated by FBI Director Kash Patel, President Trump congratulated the men’s team. He mentioned that he would be delivering the State of the Union the following night, suggesting various travel arrangements for the team to be present.
Some team members reportedly showed enthusiasm about attending but it remains unclear if they will actually go. Following their victory, the men’s team also honored their late teammate Johnny Gaudreau, who tragically passed away along with his brother in 2024.
