After edging Canada in overtime to capture the gold medal, the United States women’s hockey team will not be making a trip to celebrate with President Donald Trump.
Trump extended what many perceived to be a halfhearted and downright offensive invitation to the women’s squad. While inviting the U.S. men’s team to the White House for the State of the Union following their own gold medal win over Canada, the president quipped that he would “have to” invite the women’s team too.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” Trump told the men’s team.
“I do believe I probably would be impeached,” he joked.
Now, it’s apparent that the women’s team will not be attending the White House event, as they have opted to decline the invitation.
“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.”
Even after Trump’s comment, which many viewed as dismissive, the spokesperson noted that the players were “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Needless to say, this decision led to a lot of reactions on social media.
“The mens team, if they have the courage, should equally give Trump the middle finger. Don’t exploit our athletes for political gain,” one person wrote in a post on X.
“He thinks a gold medal women’s team is nothing more than seat fillers,” someone else wrote.
“Thank you ladies first for the amazing show and second for staying out of politics. You truly are golden,” another person added.
“Good for them! At least somebody has integrity,” someone else added.
“Integrity over optics. Choosing academic and professional duties over a prestigious invitation shows that these athletes are focused on their long-term growth as much as their sport. It’s a respectful way to show that while they value the honor, their current commitments remain their priority,” another wrote.
Obviously, this does little to quiet the outrage that Trump’s joke sparked among hockey fans nationwide.
About Dave Kelsey
Bets on sports stuff.