U.S. Women’s Hockey Team to Make Visit to the White House ‘Soon’

Trump Invites U.S. Women’s Hockey Team to the White House

During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. women’s hockey team will soon visit the White House, following in the footsteps of the men’s team.

Both teams made history in Milan by winning gold medals, marking the first time since 1980 that both American hockey teams achieved this feat at the Winter Olympics.

The men’s team quickly accepted Trump’s invitation. However, the women’s team, through a spokesperson, initially declined, citing previous commitments. “We genuinely appreciate the invitation to join the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and are thankful for the recognition of their achievements,” the spokesperson remarked, explaining that due to academic and professional obligations after the Olympics, the athletes wouldn’t be able to participate.

The spokesperson noted that the athletes felt honored to be considered and recognized.

In his address, President Trump introduced the men’s team, highlighting goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his athletic prowess. “As everyone witnessed, they triumphed over a strong Canadian team in overtime, along with the American women’s team, who will soon be at the White House,” he said.

Since Trump’s administration began, some media outlets have been critical. Following Sunday’s gold medal match, Trump congratulated the men and requested the visit to occur in Washington, D.C. “I have to say, we must invite the women’s team, you know. If I don’t, I think I would probably face impeachment,” he joked, eliciting laughter from the players.

In an op-ed, Mary Cook expressed disappointment over the men’s team laughing at Trump’s joke, describing it as a “cold bucket of water” moment. She reflected on the joy of witnessing the U.S. men’s hockey team win an Olympic gold medal, only to feel let down afterward.

Left-leaning commentator Keith Olbermann labeled the women’s team that declined Trump’s invitation as “patriots” while referring to the men’s team as “narcissistic, vile misogynists.”

According to NBC News, Trump is facing backlash, humorously remarking, “It’s a culture war over who wins the gold medal for American hockey.”

Ellen Hughes, a former player and current consultant for the U.S. women’s team, downplayed the controversy in a television interview. “At the end of the day, it’s a national issue. I think both male and female athletes can foster unity for the country,” she stated. “People who get involved don’t often follow hockey closely; they have political agendas and care mainly about the men’s team.”