After Trump joke, U.S. women’s hockey team declines State of the Union invite
The gold medalists cited scheduling conflicts, but the decision comes after a late invitation and a comment from the president that drew attention.
The U.S. women’s Olympic gold medal-winning hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.
In a statement released Monday, the team thanked the White House for the invitation but said the timing made participation impossible following their return from the Games.
A late invitation and logistical hurdles
The decision, however, comes amid notable context. When extending an invitation to the U.S. men’s hockey team Sunday night, Trump added that the women’s team would also have to be invited, joking that if they were not included, “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
🚨 EPIC! Kash Patel put PRESIDENT TRUMP on the phone in Team USA’s locker room so that 47 could PERSONALLY congratulate them
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 23, 2026
“Congratulations! That was an UNBELIEVABLE game! We love you guys!”
“You’re going to be proud of that game for FIFTY YEARS!”
“I can send a MILITARY… pic.twitter.com/GGCUOadySq
The remark quickly circulated online, drawing attention as both teams were wrapping up their championship runs overseas. The comment was met by laughter by the players on the men’s team.
According to The Associated Press, members of the women’s team did not learn of the invitation until late Sunday night, making it difficult to alter existing travel arrangements. Many players were scheduled to arrive in North America only Monday evening after commercial flights, while the men’s team traveled by charter to Miami earlier in the day.
With the NHL season resuming Wednesday and the Professional Women’s Hockey League returning Thursday, scheduling constraints were significant. Still, the contrast in tone between the two teams’ responses has been noticeable.
Men’s team forward Matthew Tkachuk described it as “an honor” to hear from Trump and said the players were proud to represent the country at the event.
The women’s team, by contrast, issued a formal statement emphasizing gratitude but declining attendance. There is no indication from USA Hockey that the president’s comments factored into the decision. Officials have consistently pointed to logistics and timing.
But the proximity of the remark, the late notice, and the current political climate surrounding sports team visits to Washington have ensured the decision will be viewed through more than just a scheduling lens. In recent years, championship visits and presidential invitations have occasionally become politically charged moments, even when teams cite logistical reasons for declining.
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