The United States women’s hockey team has declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his State of the Union address, citing prior commitments as the reason.
“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 (per NBC News). “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
“They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment,” the spokesperson added.
President Trump Invited The Women’s Team After A Phone Call To The Men’s Team
According to CNN, President Trump called the US men’s team on Sunday after they defeated Canada in overtime for the Gold Medal. The conversation took place over speakerphone which was held by FBI Director Kash Patel in the locker room, in which he offered to send a military plane to bring them to Washington, DC.
“We’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I could send a military plane or something, if you would like to. It’s the coolest night. It’s the biggest speech,” the President said.
“I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team — you do know that.” If they weren’t invited, the president said, “I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK?,” he added.
Kash Patal Responds To Backlash After Celebrating Olympic Gold With Team USA
GettyMILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 22: US Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel looks on prior to the Men’s Gold Medal match between Canada and the United States on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
FBI Director Kash Patel was spotted on video celebrating in the Team USA locker room after the men’s hockey team defeated Canada in overtime. And with that, it spurred a lot of backlash, with people upset to see him on video drinking beer and partying.
Specifically, it came because Assistant Director for Public Affairs at the FBI Ben Williamson revealed that it was “not a personal trip,” to the Olympics, but instead “Director Patel is on a trip that was planned months ago.”
“It includes: partner meetings with Italian law enforcement and security officials (they invited the Director last July), meeting with Ambassador Fertitta (as a follow up to our law enforcement roundtable he hosted in January), meetings with Legat staff, and more,” he added. “The FBI also has a major role in Olympic security – as we do with the World Cup, F1, and more – so we have a U.S. consulate briefing on Olympic security and current FBI posture, as well as thanking FBI personnel on the ground.”
Patel also responded with a message on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“For the very concerned media – yes, I love America and was extremely humbled when my friends, the newly minted Gold Medal winners on Team USA, invited me into the locker room to celebrate this historic moment with the boys- Greatest country on earth and greatest sport on earth,” he posted.
Team USA Women’s Hockey Responds To Donald Trump’s Invitation After Winning Gold At 2026 Olympics