US Women's Hockey Team Declines Trump's Invitation Following Controversial Remarks
The United States women's hockey team has formally declined an invitation to join President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., following a celebratory phone call where the president joked about being obligated to invite them. The incident occurred after Trump called the men's hockey team to congratulate them on winning Olympic gold against Canada and invited them to the State of the Union address.
Trump's Remarks Spark Backlash
In a video of the locker room call, which was recorded and posted online, Trump praised the men's team for their "unbelievable" victory and extended an invitation to his annual address. He then added, with a chuckle, "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that," prompting roaring laughter from the team. The president further remarked, "I do believe I would probably be impeached" if he didn't invite the USA women's team, which also secured gold against Canada last week.
These comments quickly went viral, sparking anger from critics who viewed them as dismissive of the women's achievements. Carey Lohrenz, a former U.S. Navy lieutenant and the first qualified woman naval aviator to fly an F-14 Tomcat, expressed her disapproval on social media, stating, "Culture and integrity matter. The USA women's hockey team has medaled in EVERY Olympic Games since the inaugural tournament in Nagano, including gold in 1998, 2018, and now 2026. I'd be proud to invite them to my house..."
Team Cites Scheduling Conflicts
A day after the president's call, the U.S. women's hockey team announced they would turn down the invitation. A USA Hockey spokesperson said in a statement, "We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women's Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate."
It remains unclear if Trump also called the women's team directly to congratulate them, though the White House did post on social media to acknowledge their win. The Independent has reached out to both the USA Women's Hockey team and the White House for further comment.
Reactions from Public Figures
Shannon Watts, an anti-gun violence activist, commented that Trump seemed to "begrudgingly invite the women's gold-winning team." Sports commentator Keith Olbermann went further, suggesting the men's hockey team should refuse Trump's invitation in protest. He wrote, "Anybody smart (or respectful of women athletes) on the U.S. Men's Olympic hockey team or connected to it, will refuse Trump's invitation to The State of the Union. Any who show up are declaring their indelible stupidity and misogyny. The End."
Uncertainty Over Men's Team Attendance
It is also unclear if the USA men's hockey team will be able to attend the State of the Union address, as National Hockey League games are resuming this week. Players appeared interested in attending, but logistical challenges may prevent their participation. FBI Director Kash Patel, who was seen celebrating with the men's team post-game, facilitated the call between the players and the president and promised to bring them to D.C. at Trump's request.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions and discussions about gender equality in sports, with the women's team's decision reflecting a broader context of recognition and respect for athletic achievements.
