US Hockey Star Jack Hughes Addresses Backlash Over Trump's Women's Team Jibe
Team USA men's hockey star Jack Hughes has responded to the intense backlash his Olympic gold-winning team received after players were caught on video laughing at President Donald Trump dissing the U.S. women's hockey team. The controversy erupted following a video that revealed Trump congratulating the men's ice hockey team over the phone and inviting them to the State of the Union address.
Trump's Controversial Comments Spark Outrage
In the now-viral video, President Trump can be heard telling the men's team, "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that," which drew roaring laughter from the players. The president then added that if he didn't invite the women's team, "I do believe I probably would be impeached." This exchange occurred during a celebratory phone call following the men's dramatic overtime victory against Canada on Sunday at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
The women's hockey team, which also won gold at the same Olympics, subsequently turned down Trump's invitation to the State of the Union, citing scheduling conflicts. This decision added another layer to the growing controversy surrounding the men's team's reaction to Trump's comments.
Hughes Defends Team Amid Growing Criticism
Jack Hughes, who scored the gold-winning goal against Canada despite having two teeth knocked out earlier in the game, addressed the situation at a victory party in Miami, Florida. Speaking to the Daily Mail, the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils player acknowledged that "everything is so political" in today's climate but defended his team's actions.
"People are so negative out there and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing," Hughes said regarding the backlash, which included calls for the men's team to reject the White House invitation.
The star forward emphasized the close relationship between the men's and women's teams, stating, "I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us." He also defended the women's team's decision to decline the White House invitation, noting that "they've got busy schedules, too."
No Apology for Planned White House Visit
Despite the controversy, Hughes made it clear that his team would not be apologizing for their planned visit with President Trump. "We're athletes," he told the Daily Mail. "We're so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, we're proud to be Americans and that's so patriotic."
He added, "No matter what your views are, we're super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be a part of that." This statement comes as the team prepares for their visit to Washington following their historic gold medal victory, which saw them defeat Canada 2-1 in overtime during the final game.
Family Weighs In on Controversy
Hughes' mother, Ellen Hughes, who serves as a player development consultant for Team USA women's ice hockey, also responded to the criticism. Speaking to Today, she emphasized the unifying power of sports, stating, "At the end of the day, it's just about the country."
"These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country," she continued. "People that cheered on that don't watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or on the other side, and that's all both the men's team and the women's team care about."
Ellen Hughes, whose other sons Luke and Quinn also play in the NHL, highlighted the positive relationship between the men's and women's teams, describing how they shared facilities and supported each other throughout the Olympics. "If you could see what we see from the inside, and the men and women sharing, you know, dorm rooms and halls and flex floors and the camaraderie and the synergy and the way the women cheered on the men and the way the men cheered on the women — that's what it's all about," she said.
Broader Context of Team USA's Olympic Success
The controversy has overshadowed what should have been a purely celebratory moment for American hockey. Both the men's and women's teams achieved gold medal victories at the 2026 Winter Olympics, marking a historic achievement for USA Hockey. The men's dramatic overtime win against their Canadian rivals represented one of the most significant victories in recent Olympic history.
However, the team has found itself in the headlines for multiple reasons. Another widely shared video showed FBI Director Kash Patel chugging beer and celebrating with players in the locker room after their gold medal victory, adding to the team's post-Olympic media attention.
As the debate continues about the appropriate response to political figures' comments and the intersection of sports and politics, Hughes and his teammates remain focused on celebrating their Olympic achievement while navigating the complex landscape of modern athletic celebrity.
