Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Declines State Of The Union Invitation

Gold Medal-Winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Declines State of the Union Invitation Source: Multiple news agencies including
WASHINGTON, D.C. The United States women’s Olympic ice hockey team, fresh from winning gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, has politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, citing scheduling conflicts and prior commitments.
In an official statement released on Monday, a spokesperson for the team said “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. 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.” Officials noted that many players were returning from the Olympics only days before the planned address, and had existing obligations such as academic schedules and PWHL (Professional Women’s Hockey League) commitments that could not be rescheduled. The U.S. women’s hockey team captured gold after a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over Canada at the Winter Games their first Olympic title since 2018, enhancing the spotlight on the squad. President Trump also extended a similar invitation to the U.S. men’s hockey team, which had won its own gold medal in a separate overtime game. As of this reporting, the men’s team’s attendance has not been publicly confirmed.
The invitation reportedly came during a celebratory phone call from President Trump to the men’s team in their locker room, in which he jokingly said he “would probably be impeached” if the women weren’t invited too a comment that later circulated widely on social media. The gesture garnered mixed reactions online, with some praising the women’s packed schedules and others debating the political undertones of the invitation and response.
Media reports highlighted that logistical issues also played a role:
Many women’s team members arrived back in North America late Monday, making immediate travel to Washington, D.C. difficult.
Meanwhile, the NHL and PWHL seasons resume this week, adding pressure on players with professional or collegiate commitments.