The United States Women’s Hockey Team has decided to pass on an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, which took place on February 24, 2026. The decision follows a comment made by the president that was perceived as a slight against the gold medal-winning women’s squad.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/state-of-the-union--42-02242026-bbde53099d1a44b5a5f4c774401478e8.jpg)
The Team USA men’s hockey team, fresh off their victory over Team Canada at the Winter Olympics, were in attendance at the Capitol as special guests. They had won the gold medal just two days prior, marking a noteworthy achievement for the team, which had not secured Olympic gold since 1980.
During his State of the Union address, President Trump acknowledged the men’s team, referring to them as “a group of winners who have made our nation proud,” eliciting cheers from the audience. He contrasted this with a mention of the women’s hockey team, hinting that they would soon visit the White House for a celebration, although particulars were left unspecified.
The men’s team enjoyed a special invite following a locker room call from Trump as they celebrated their recent success. In the call, he described their thrilling overtime win against Canada as “unbelievable” and indicated they could attend the State of the Union as it would be “the coolest night” for the players. Additionally, he suggested they could visit him at the White House afterwards, promising a fun atmosphere and medals to commemorate their triumph.
However, his remarks included a comment about needing to bring the women’s team to Washington as well, allegedly joking that his failure to do so could lead to impeachment. This statement did not sit well with many, as it appeared to trivialise the achievements of the women’s team, who also brought home gold after their own match with Canada.
The women’s hockey team, proud of their own accomplishments, made a statement indicating their gratitude for the invite but noted their inability to attend the address due to prior academic and professional commitments. A spokesperson for USA Hockey expressed appreciation for being acknowledged but emphasised the athletes’ scheduling constraints.
Despite the women’s team declining the invite, they were celebrated for their achievements at the Olympics, which secured their third gold medal overall. The team’s participation in the Olympic Games dates back to their inception in 1998, and they have had a strong showing ever since, even winning silver medals on multiple occasions.
Meanwhile, members of the men’s team have been vocal in their support for the women’s team. Notable players like Jack Hughes conveyed excitement about the opportunity to meet the president and represent their country, reinforcing that the two teams stand together in mutual support.
The timing of the State of the Union coincided with Olympic athletes using the global stage to voice their political opinions, which has drawn mixed reactions from the public and notably, from President Trump himself. His critical remarks regarding athletes who express their views have sparked conversations about the intersection of sports and politics.
In recent weeks, several athletes from Team USA have faced backlash for their political statements, which has led to intense scrutiny and criticism from the public. Jack Hughes acknowledged that the men’s team has also encountered negativity surrounding their own social media presence related to political discussions but insisted that their focus remains on celebrating their achievements and supporting one another.
As the national spotlight continues to shine on both the men’s and women’s teams, the implications of their actions and words resonate beyond the ice hockey arena. The State of the Union serves as a key moment in which athletes can reflect on their roles as representatives of their country and how their actions can inspire pride and unity or lead to division.