A recent moment involving the U.S. men’s and women’s Olympic hockey teams has sparked widespread discussion online. The conversation began after both teams secured dramatic 2–1 victories over Canada in their respective championship games in Milan. Following the men’s win, former President Donald Trump placed a congratulatory call to the team while they celebrated in their locker room. During the call, he invited them to attend an upcoming State of the Union address, describing it as a major national event. The exchange was recorded and later shared widely on social media.
In the same conversation, Trump referenced the women’s team, suggesting they should be invited as well and adding a comment that some viewers interpreted as a joke. The remark quickly drew mixed reactions online, with critics describing it as inappropriate, while others viewed it as lighthearted banter. Around the same time, a spokesperson for the women’s team confirmed they would not attend the Washington event due to prior academic and professional commitments. The statement emphasized that the athletes appreciated the recognition and felt honored to be invited.
As debate intensified, men’s team player Jack Hughes addressed the situation in an interview. He explained that the locker room atmosphere was celebratory and that the men and women’s teams share a strong bond developed during their time together at the Olympic Village. According to Hughes, any laughter heard in the video was not intended to diminish the women’s accomplishments. He highlighted the mutual respect between the two teams and expressed pride in representing the United States. Hughes also noted that visiting the White House is traditionally seen as an honor for championship teams, regardless of political perspectives.
Adding another voice to the discussion, Hughes’ mother, Ellen Hughes—who works closely with USA women’s hockey as a player development consultant—also spoke publicly. She emphasized unity and sportsmanship, saying that both teams care deeply about representing their country and bringing people together through athletics. From her perspective, the focus should remain on teamwork, camaraderie, and shared national pride rather than political interpretation. While opinions remain divided online, many athletes involved have continued to stress mutual support between the men’s and women’s programs, underscoring that their primary goal is to compete at the highest level and inspire fans across the country.