The United States women’s hockey team will not be celebrating its Olympic gold medal with President Donald Trump at the State of the Union address.
While inviting the U.S. men’s team to the White House for the State of the Union address following their gold medal victory over Canada, Trump invited the women’s team as well, joking that he would “have to” invite them otherwise he would “probably be impeached.”
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” Trump told the team on a phone call in the locker room.
“I do believe I probably would be impeached,” he joked.
Despite the invitation, the team has declined, citing timing and schedule-related issues.
“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 in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The spokesperson said that the players were “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
This marks the second time that the United States women’s team has won Olympic gold in the past three winter Olympics.
About Dave Kelsey
Contributing author to The Comeback.