Donald Trump made it abundantly clear that he does not place the same importance on women’s sports — or the United States women’s hockey team — as he does on the men’s side.
At the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Team USA captured Olympic gold in both men’s and women’s hockey. Each squad secured dramatic 2-1 wins over Canada, sealing the victories with golden goals in overtime.
The triumphs were equally electrifying. But Trump’s reaction suggested he viewed one as more significant than the other.
As the men’s team celebrated its gold medal in the locker room, Trump phoned in to congratulate the players and extend an invitation to attend Tuesday night’s State of the Union address.
“We’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to… It’s the coolest night, it’s the biggest speech,” Trump said after the game.
Almost as if it were an afterthought, Trump then added that he would “have” to invite the women’s team as well — prompting laughter from FBI Director Kash Patel and the Team USA men’s hockey team players in the room.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” Trump told the team.
“I do believe I probably would be impeached,” he joked.
Needless to say, this dismissive attitude toward the U.S. women’s team disgusted many on social media.
“Depressing that the president says to them unfortunately we’re obligated to invite the women’s team too … and they all laugh. Like the women’s gold is a joke,” one person wrote in a post on X.
“You all should be ashamed of yourselves. Also laughing at having to bring the women’s team. Disgusting,” someone else wrote.
“We’ll have to bring the women’s team, too. He’s a disgrace,” another person added.
“Absolutely pathetic excuse of leadership,” someone else commented.
“Completely ridiculous that people are defending this,” another fan wrote.
“The open and celebrated misogyny towards our women’s gold medal winners from the president and all the men who laughed is disgraceful,” someone else added.
It’s not clear whether Trump ultimately extended an invitation to the women’s team for the State of the Union. And if he did, it’s also unknown whether they chose to accept.
About Dave Kelsey
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