The United States women’s ice hockey team has responded to President Donald Trump’s statement during his State of the Union address, where he indicated the team would soon visit the White House to celebrate their gold-medal victory at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
"They beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime as everybody saw, as did the American women who will soon be coming to the White House," Trump stated during the address.
A USA Hockey spokesperson informed Front Office Sports, "Players are back competing with their professional and collegiate teams and are in the midst of their season. They’re honored and grateful to be invited and any opportunity to visit the White House as a team will be based on their schedules once their seasons conclude."
The team had previously declined an invitation to attend the State of the Union address due to "previously scheduled academic and professional commitments."
"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," USA Hockey stated to NBC News. "Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment."
Some social media commentary arose regarding Trump’s remarks during a phone call with the men's team after their overtime victory against Canada. During the call, Trump mentioned inviting the women's team to the State of the Union.
Ellen Hughes, mother of player Jack Hughes and a consultant for the women's team, expressed that she was not bothered by the comments, stating, "These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country."
Quinn Hughes, Jack’s brother, highlighted the camaraderie between the men's and women's teams during the Milan games. "Me and Jack were there, we watched them win the gold medal. They came to our game and were able to watch us. So, just the support back and forth, just to get to know them a little better was special, too."