Trump Announces Women’s Hockey Team Will Visit White House

President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. Olympic women’s hockey team is expected to visit the White House “soon,” despite their decision to decline an invitation to this week’s State of the Union due to scheduling conflicts. This announcement comes after the team secured a gold medal by defeating Canada at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

Trump made this remark during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, which was attended by the U.S. men’s Olympic team. They recently clinched a gold medal with a victory over Canada, also in an overtime match.

“As everyone saw, they defeated a great Canadian team in overtime, and the same goes for the American women who will soon be in the White House,” Trump noted in the U.S. Capitol.

However, it remains uncertain if the women’s hockey team will accept Trump’s invitation after initially declining it. A day after Trump playfully suggested to the men’s team that they would face impeachment if they didn’t invite the women’s team, the latter opted not to attend the State of the Union.

A spokesperson for USA Hockey expressed their gratitude for the invitation, acknowledging the team’s incredible achievements. They mentioned that, unfortunately, due to timing and ongoing commitments after the Olympics, the athletes would not be able to join the event.

Trump and the men’s team faced some criticism after they laughed during a phone call with the president, making jokes about the women’s team following the men’s win. On Tuesday, brothers Quinn and Jack Hughes from the men’s team spoke about the ensuing social media discussions during a television interview, sharing their excitement about the upcoming White House visit.

“I’m looking forward to going. It’s not something I get to do every Tuesday,” Quinn said, adding that he was thrilled for the women’s team as well. “There’s a lot happening on social media about both teams.” He noted the close connections they’ve fostered during training sessions over the years.

Jack chimed in, reminiscing about celebrating together after both teams won gold medals. They reportedly hung out until early morning in the Olympic Village.

While out at a Miami nightclub, Jack explained the strong bond that exists between the men’s and women’s teams, emphasizing their mutual support. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, and how proud we are,” he stated.

Ellen Hughes, the mother of Jack and Quinn and a consultant for the U.S. women’s team, also weighed in on the social media discussions. She remarked that at the core, both teams share a passion for their country, regardless of differing views in the world of politics.

“They care about humanity, unity, and representing their nations,” she said, highlighting the camaraderie between the teams.

Jack scored the game-winning goal in overtime, marking a significant achievement by ending a 46-year gold medal drought for the U.S. in men’s hockey.

The NHL is set to resume play on Wednesday after a 20-day break during the Winter Games, with Jack’s New Jersey Devils back in action against the Buffalo Sabres.