U.S. Women’s Ice Hockey Team Plans White House Visit

The U.S. women’s ice hockey team has responded to President Trump’s comments during his recent State of the Union address, indicating they will visit the White House soon to celebrate their gold medal victory at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Games.

During his speech, President Trump acknowledged both the men’s and women’s teams, noting the men’s overtime win against Canada and mentioning that the women’s team would “soon be at the White House.”

A spokesperson for USA Hockey remarked, “Our players are currently engaged in their season, competing with professional and collegiate teams. They are honored to have received an invitation, and a team visit to the White House will depend on their schedule following the season.”

The Women’s Professional Hockey League is set to resume on Thursday.

Both USA Hockey and the White House have yet to comment on the situation. Notably, the women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union address, citing prior commitments in academics and professional endeavors.

USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the recognition of the women’s team’s achievements, stating, “They won’t be able to attend due to scheduled commitments post-Olympics. They truly appreciate the invitation and the recognition.”

Trump faced backlash for comments made in a phone call with the men’s team after their gold medal win. Video footage revealed him suggesting the women’s team “must be invited” to the State of the Union or risk being “impeached.”

This situation sparked significant discussion on social media, though Ellen Hughes, mother of player Jack Hughes and a consultant for the women’s team, downplayed concerns regarding the President’s remarks. She emphasized the unity both teams foster within the sport and the nation.

“It’s all about the camaraderie, the support for one another,” she noted. “They care about humanity and nationhood.” Many other players echoed this sentiment, sharing positive experiences from their time together in Milan.

While there were mixed feelings about the men’s team laughing at Trump’s jokes during a conference call, Quinn Hughes highlighted the enjoyable nature of forming connections with the women’s team, adding that seeing each other’s games was very special.