U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Declines Trump’s State of the Union Invite
The U.S. women’s hockey team, fresh off its gold medal victory, has declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union address, citing scheduling conflicts and prior commitments.
In a statement released Monday, the team expressed appreciation for the invitation while explaining their decision.
“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 said. “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.”
Logistical Challenges After the Games
The decision comes just days after the team secured a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game. The Olympic tournament featured two closely contested finals, with both the women’s and men’s championship games extending into overtime.
Logistics played a significant role in the women’s team declining the invitation. Many of the players were not scheduled to arrive back in North America until Monday evening. Unlike the men’s team, which traveled by charter to Miami earlier Monday, the women flew commercial and were set to land in Atlanta.
A person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press that the women’s players did not learn of the invitation until late Sunday night, making it difficult to adjust travel arrangements. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the team’s travel plans publicly.
The White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the status of both teams.
Men’s Team Also Invited
President Trump extended the invitation to the U.S. men’s gold medal-winning team on Sunday night. While speaking about the invitation, Trump said, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” He added jokingly that if he failed to invite the women’s team, “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
The U.S. men’s team defeated Canada in overtime on Sunday to claim gold. Following their return to the United States, several players spoke about the experience and the reception awaiting them at home.
“It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been amazing. It’s a dream of ours, it was such an amazing way to unite the country,” Matthew Tkachuk said after arriving in Miami. “We felt the support being across the Atlantic and now being back on home soil we could feel it the second the wheels hit the ground. So excited to be back in the greatest country in the world and so excited to celebrate.”
Tkachuk also said it was an honor to hear from Trump after the win. “And so we are definitely honored to represent him and the millions and millions across the country.”
Return to Professional Play
Beyond travel logistics, both teams face immediate professional obligations. The NHL regular season resumes Wednesday with five games scheduled, while the Professional Women’s Hockey League returns to action Thursday. Many players must quickly transition from international competition back to their respective club teams.
Vice President JD Vance attended two of the U.S. women’s preliminary round games during the first week of the Olympics, underscoring the administration’s visible support during the tournament.
While the women’s team will not attend the State of the Union address, their statement emphasized gratitude for the recognition. The focus now shifts from Washington to the next phase of their seasons, following a gold medal run that delivered one of the most memorable moments of the Games.
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