President Donald Trump invited both the USA men’s and women’s hockey teams to his State of the Union address after each squad captured Olympic gold with overtime wins over Canada.
But the USA women’s team is not going. The USA women’s hockey team declined the invitation, citing academic and professional commitments that were already locked in before the invite came through.
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The squad won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy last Thursday, knocking off Canada in the final.
Team USA takes a selfie with their gold medals after defeating Canada in the women’s ice hockey gold medal game. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
The decision went public a day after Trump made a joke during a call with the men’s team, saying he would probably face impeachment if he left the women out.
NBC News correspondent Monica Alba broke the news, noting that a team spokesperson expressed gratitude for the recognition but confirmed the players could not make it work with their schedules.
“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,” a USA Hockey spokesperson said, per NBC News. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The White House has not commented on the matter yet.
Connor Hellebuyck (37) of the United States greets fans after the game against Slovakia in a men’s ice hockey semifinal during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Trump’s original invite went to the men’s team Sunday night, right after they finished off their own overtime thriller against Canada. During that call, he brought up the women’s squad and cracked a joke about needing to include them or risk political fallout.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump said, adding, “I think if I didn’t do that, I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
Players in the room laughed at the comment, including Jack Hughes, who buried the game-winner for Team USA.
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