The U.S. women’s hockey team, fresh off their gold medal win against Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics, turned down President Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday.
A spokesperson for USA Hockey expressed their gratitude for the invite. “We truly appreciate the invitation to join the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and are thankful for the acknowledgment of their remarkable achievements,” they stated, as reported by NBC News.
However, the spokesperson clarified, “Due to prior commitments related to academics and professions right after the Olympics, the athletes won’t be able to attend. They feel honored and are grateful for the recognition.”
Meanwhile, President Trump invited the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team to the same State of the Union address following their intense 2-1 overtime victory against Canada in the gold medal game.
During a postgame call from the locker room, moderated by FBI Director Kash Patel, Trump mentioned, “I’m going to give the State of the Union on Tuesday night.”
“We could send a military plane or something, but if you want, tonight is the coolest night.” Some players expressed their enthusiasm, saying, “We’re in.”
It remains uncertain whether the men’s team will actually attend. Trump also suggested that they might visit the White House the following Wednesday.
“We’re just going to have fun. You’ve got medals,” he remarked. “I have to say, we have to bring the girls’ team, you know that.”
Jokingly, he added, “If I didn’t invite the women, I believe I’d probably be impeached, but I understand.” He also noted his intention to shake hands with goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who had an impressive performance, stopping 41 of Canada’s 42 shots during the match.
After a 20-day break due to the Winter Olympics, the NHL resumed games on Wednesday night, featuring teams like the New Jersey Devils, with the golden goal scorer Jack Hughes, the Winnipeg Jets led by Hellebuyck, and the Toronto Maple Leafs with captain Auston Matthews. Hughes scored the winning overtime goal, breaking a 46-year gold medal drought for the U.S. in men’s hockey.
