Hilary Knight says the close relationship between the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams has been mischaracterized following a viral phone call involving Donald Trump, urging fans to look beyond a moment she believes has overshadowed genuine support between the programs.
Speaking on Wednesday on ESPN’s SportsCenter, Knight addressed criticism directed at the U.S. men’s national team after a video surfaced of a call between the players and Trump during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
“I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,” Knight said on SportsCenter. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse.”
Knight said the moment has been taken out of context as the reaction has grown online.
“I think the guys were in a tough spot,” she added, “so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative have kind of blown up and are overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”
Controversial Trump Call With Men’s Hockey Team
The backlash stemmed from the locker room celebration footage of Trump congratulating the U.S. men’s hockey team following its gold-medal victory. During the call, Trump joked about also needing to invite the women’s team to the White House, adding that if he did not, he “probably would be impeached.”
Several players were heard laughing, and the clip circulated widely on social media, drawing criticism from viewers who interpreted the exchange as dismissive of the women’s team, which also won gold in Milan.
The men’s team later attended Trump’s State of the Union address in Washington.
Hughes Brothers Responds to Backlash
Members of the men’s team have since emphasized the bond between the two programs.
Gold-medal game hero Jack Hughes and his brother Quinn Hughes addressed the situation during an appearance on Good Morning America.
“Our relationship with them, over the course of being in the Olympic Village, I think we are so tight with their group,” Jack Hughes said. “After we won the gold medal, we were in the cafeteria at 3:30 in the morning with them. We go from there, pack our bags and we’re on the bus.”
Hughes added that criticism of the video failed to capture that dynamic.
“People are so negative about things,” he said. “Everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them. The same way we feel about them, they feel about us.”
Knight Previously Criticized Trump Joke
While Knight’s focus on Wednesday was defending the men’s team, she previously addressed Trump’s remark directly during a separate SportsCenter appearance following the women’s gold-medal victory.
“I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke,” Knight said. “And unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats.”
Knight later added that the team preferred to emphasize accomplishments rather than controversy.
“We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in program history as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time — and really not detract from that with a distasteful joke,” she said.
Women Decline White House Invitation
The U.S. women’s hockey team ultimately declined an invitation to the White House, citing scheduling conflicts.
“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,” the team said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
Women’s hockey has now produced three Olympic gold medals for the United States since the sport was added to the Games in 1998.
Knight’s Final Olympic Statement
Knight, 36, closed her fifth and final Olympics by winning her second gold medal and finishing her career as the most decorated player in U.S. women’s hockey history.
As debate around the phone call continues, Knight made clear what she hopes remains the lasting takeaway from Milan — not controversy, but a rare moment when both American hockey programs reached the top of the Olympic podium together.
Hilary Knight Reacts to U.S. Men’s Hockey Controversial Donald Trump Phone Call