The United States Women’s Hockey Team has declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend the State of the Union address, leaving only the gold medal-winning men’s team to appear at Tuesday night’s high-profile event.
Both the men’s and women’s hockey teams captured gold medals at the Winter Olympics in Milan, prompting Trump to extend invitations to both squads following their victories on the international stage.
A spokesperson for USA Hockey confirmed the women’s team would not be attending the event, citing scheduling conflicts as the reason for their absence.
“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 USA Hockey spokesperson said, as quoted by NBC News.
“They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment,” the spokesperson continued, before confirming the team would not attend “due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”
Trump extended the invitation to both teams following the men’s team victory over Canada in a 2-1 overtime thriller on Sunday.
The women’s team had secured their gold medal prior to the men’s final.
During a phone call to the men’s locker room in Milan, Trump personally invited the players to join him at the nation’s capital.
“I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to, it’s the coolest night,” Trump told the team.
Trump also addressed plans for a White House visit the following day.
“We will do the White House the next day, we will just have some fun, we have medals for you guys,” he said during the call.
Trump acknowledged on the call that he felt compelled to extend the invitation to the women’s squad as well.
We have, I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that. I do believe I would probably be impeached,” Trump said, drawing laughter from players in the locker room.
The men’s team accepted Trump’s invitation immediately following the call.
The decision by the women’s team drew a range of reactions online. Lexi LaFleur Brown, wife of former NHL player JT Brown and a hockey writer, took to social media to voice her perspective on the situation.
“You can make history, can represent ur country at the highest level, can inspire a nation of girls to dream, & they will still laugh in ur face,” she wrote.
“Every woman knows this feeling & it’s why we persist. Keep laughing while women’s hockey is one of the fastest-growing sports globally.”
FBI Director Kash Patel attended the men’s gold medal game in Milan and joined the players in their locker room to celebrate.
Video footage circulating online appeared to show Patel celebrating with the players following the victory, Resist the Mainstream previously reported.
Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck turned in a dominant performance in the final, stopping 41 of 42 shots against Canada to anchor the gold medal win.
Jack Hughes scored the overtime winner and delivered a passionate post-game interview.
“This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates… I’m so proud to be an American today,” Hughes said.
He added, “The USA hockey brotherhood is so strong, and we’re so proud to win for our country.”
Vice President JD Vance praised Hughes on X, noting the player delivered his emotional remarks despite losing teeth during the game.
“Heart full of pride for his country and a few front teeth gone missing. That’s American hockey right there. Congratulations to Jack and everyone on Team USA for bringing home the gold,” Vance wrote.
Trump had reportedly considered traveling to Italy to watch the gold medal final but ultimately chose not to make the trip.
