The U.S. women's hockey team, fresh off a dramatic gold medal victory at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, has declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address Tuesday night, citing scheduling conflicts and prior commitments in a move that echoes past tensions between athletes and the White House.

USA Women's Hockey Team
USA Women's Hockey Team

The decision, announced Monday, February 23, 2026, came a day after Trump extended invitations to both the men's and women's teams during a congratulatory phone call with the men's squad following their overtime gold-medal wins against Canada. The women's team, which defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime on Sunday to claim their third Olympic gold in the last four Games, released a statement through USA Hockey expressing gratitude but opting out.

"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," the statement read. "Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate."

The men's team, which also secured gold in a thrilling overtime finish against Canada, is expected to attend the address, according to sources familiar with the plans. During the call with the men, Trump joked that he would be "impeached" if he didn't invite the women as well, saying, "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that." The comment drew laughter from the men's team, sparking backlash on social media for perceived insensitivity, with critics accusing the players of endorsing Trump's humor at the expense of their female counterparts.

The women's team, led by captain Hilary Knight and featuring stars like Kendall Coyne Schofield and Alex Carpenter, has been celebrated for its resilience and dominance. Their gold-medal run included a semifinal shutout of Sweden and a hard-fought final against archrival Canada, marking the first time both U.S. hockey teams won gold in the same Olympics since the sport's inclusion. The victory capped a strong showing for U.S. women at Milano Cortina, where they contributed significantly to the country's medal haul.

Trump's invitation highlighted the teams' achievements but quickly became a flashpoint. The president's quip about impeachment — a nod to his own political history, including two impeachments during his first term — was seen by some as dismissive of the women's accomplishments. Social media erupted with criticism, with one X user posting, "Why are they laughing? Disappointed and disgusting." Others defended the men, noting the lighthearted context of the call.

The women's decline aligns with a pattern of athletes skipping White House or political events during Trump's presidencies. In 2018, after their PyeongChang gold, the team did visit the White House, but several high-profile athletes, including NBA stars like Stephen Curry and the entire Golden State Warriors team, opted out of visits amid political disagreements. The 2026 decision appears more logistical than overtly political, but it has fueled speculation given the timing — just days after the Olympics ended on February 22.

USA Hockey emphasized the honor of the invitation while underscoring the players' post-Games obligations. Many team members are professional athletes in the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL), with seasons resuming shortly, or have coaching and academic roles. Knight, for instance, balances her PWHL career with advocacy work for women's sports equity.

Reactions poured in from across the sports world. Former U.S. captain Meghan Duggan praised the team's focus: "These women just achieved something historic — let them celebrate on their terms." ESPN analyst Emily Kaplan noted on air that the decline avoids potential controversy, allowing the spotlight to remain on their athletic triumph.

The State of the Union, set for Tuesday evening, comes amid Trump's second term, where he has prioritized domestic issues like economy and immigration. Inviting Olympic champions is a tradition to showcase national pride, but athlete participation has varied by administration. Under President Joe Biden in 2022, the women's team visited the White House after their Beijing silver, highlighting equal pay achievements.

Trump's administration has faced criticism for its handling of women's issues, including sports equity. The president's joke drew particular ire from advocates, who pointed to ongoing disparities in women's hockey funding and visibility. The PWHL, launched in 2023, has helped professionalize the sport, but players like those on the U.S. team continue pushing for better support.

The women's gold-medal game drew record U.S. viewership for women's hockey, peaking at over 12 million on NBC, underscoring the sport's growing popularity. The team's decline of the invitation shifts focus back to their legacy: breaking barriers, advocating for equality and inspiring young athletes.

As the address approaches, the White House confirmed the men's team attendance but did not comment on the women's decision. Trump, in a brief statement, congratulated both teams again, calling their wins "a great American moment."

The episode highlights the intersection of sports and politics, where athletes increasingly weigh public appearances against personal and professional priorities. For the U.S. women's hockey team, the choice prioritizes recovery and commitments over a high-profile event, allowing them to savor their hard-earned gold without additional spotlight.

With the PWHL season resuming and international competitions on the horizon, the team looks ahead. Knight, in a post-Olympics interview, emphasized unity: "This gold is for every girl who dreams big — and for our sisterhood that made it possible."