Women’s Hockey Team SNUBS Trump Invite

Close-up of hockey players on ice with sticks in motion — HOCKEY TEAM SNUBS TRUMP

The U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team, fresh off their historic Olympic gold victory, declined President Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union address—a decision that raises questions about the circumstances surrounding an invitation that followed a controversial joke.

Story Snapshot

U.S. Women’s hockey team declines State of the Union invitation, citing academic and professional commitments after winning gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics
Trump’s invitation came during a call with the Men’s team, where he joked about inviting the Women’s team to avoid political backlash
The President publicly celebrated the Men’s team gold victory but remained notably silent on the Women’s team achievement days earlier
Historic Olympic sweep marks first time both U.S. hockey teams won gold since women’s program began, with Men’s first gold since 1980

Historic Victories Marred by Unequal Recognition

The U.S. Women’s National Ice Hockey Team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to capture their third Olympic gold medal in early February 2026, with Megan Keller scoring the golden goal after Hilary Knight tied the game.

Days later, the Men’s team achieved their first Olympic gold since the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” beating Canada by the same 2-1 overtime score on February 22. This marked an extraordinary sweep for American hockey, yet the White House response highlighted a troubling disparity in how these achievements were acknowledged by the nation’s highest office.

U.S. women's hockey team declines Trump's invitation to the State of the Union https://t.co/yP97VGepJH via @nbcnews

— Bo Snerdley (@BoSnerdley) February 23, 2026

Presidential Praise Shows Gender Divide

President Trump enthusiastically posted on Truth Social, praising the Men’s team with “WOW!” after their victory, and immediately called the team to extend a State of the Union invitation for February 24. However, Trump remained publicly silent after the Women’s team won gold days earlier.

During the phone call with the Men’s team, Trump casually joked about inviting the Women’s team, stating he’d better include them to avoid impeachment—a remark captured on video that quickly went viral and sparked criticism across social media platforms for diminishing the Women’s achievement.

Team Responds with Diplomatic Decline

On February 23, USA Hockey issued a statement on behalf of the Women’s team declining the invitation: “We are grateful for the recognition but must prioritize our academic and professional commitments as the college season and PWHL resume.” The statement made no reference to Trump’s controversial remark, maintaining a neutral tone that avoided political controversy.

Meanwhile, the Men’s team appeared receptive to attending, though logistics remained uncertain as NHL players like Matthew Tkachuk acknowledged they didn’t yet know their plan while celebrating in Florida before league games resumed.

Implications for Athletes and Protocol

This situation underscores growing tensions between ceremonial expectations and practical realities facing Olympic athletes who balance competing commitments. The Women’s team faces legitimate scheduling pressures with collegiate players returning to their universities and professional players resuming PWHL games.

However, the circumstances surrounding the invitation—extended seemingly as an afterthought during a joke about political optics rather than genuine celebration—raises questions about whether these athletes received the respect their historic achievement deserved from the highest levels of government.

Common Sense Analysis

From a conservative perspective valuing merit and equal recognition of achievement, the differential treatment is difficult to defend. Both teams accomplished extraordinary feats representing America on the world stage, defeating the same rival opponent in identical overtime fashion.

When government officials celebrate national victories, the celebration should reflect genuine appreciation for excellence, not political calculation. The Women’s team chose to prioritize their professional responsibilities over a ceremonial event—a decision that reflects the work ethic and dedication conservatives typically admire. Their accomplishment stands on its own merit regardless of political theater.