The US Olympic women’s hockey team declines invitation to Donald Trump’s State of the Union address following their gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Games. The decision comes just days after both the women’s and men’s teams secured championship wins overseas.
According to a spokesperson for USA Hockey, the women’s team received an official invitation to attend the address in Washington, D.C. However, due to scheduling conflicts tied to their return from Italy and previously arranged academic and professional obligations, the team declined.The invitation followed the team’s gold medal performance at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Games.
The women clinched the top spot and capped off a successful tournament run. Meanwhile, the men’s hockey team also won gold after an overtime victory against Canada. While the men received an invitation as well, it remains unclear whether they will attend.
Logistics played a major role. The women’s team was not scheduled to land back in North America until Monday night. In contrast, the men’s team returned earlier that day on a charter flight. The women traveled on a commercial flight later in the evening, limiting their ability to appear at Tuesday’s address.
The decision has generated discussion online, but officials emphasized that the decline was based on timing and commitments rather than political positioning.
Official statement explains why the US Olympic women’s hockey team declined
A spokesperson for USA Hockey addressed the invitation publicly and clarified the reasoning behind the team’s absence.
“We are genuinely appreciative of the invitation offered to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply value the recognition of their remarkable achievement,” said a spokesperson for USA Hockey. “However, due to the timing and prior academic and professional commitments that follow the Games, the athletes are unable to join.”
The spokesperson further emphasized that the women’s team felt honored to be included and thankful for the acknowledgment.
The invitation was extended after Donald Trump spoke with members of the men’s hockey team following their championship win. During that call, Trump referenced plans to invite both teams to the State of the Union address.
The phone call itself also drew attention because it was reportedly facilitated through Kash Patel’s cellphone while he was celebrating with players in the locker room. Patel currently serves as Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The setting of the call led to online commentary, though no official concerns were raised by USA Hockey in its statement.
During that call, Trump told the men, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” joking that if he didn’t invite them, he’d probably face impeachment.
At this time, there is no indication of further scheduling adjustments that would allow the women’s team to attend. The situation appears to center strictly on travel timing and existing responsibilities following the international competition.
