JUST IN: Olympic gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team has declined Trump’s invitation to attend his State of the Union address. The Response formal president gave, no one saw it coming

Washington, D.C. – February 23, 2026 – In a surprising turn shortly after their triumphant gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, the U.S. women’s ice hockey team has politely declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

USA Hockey issued a statement expressing gratitude while 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. Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”

The decision follows a viral phone call in which Trump congratulated the men’s hockey team—also Olympic gold winners—on their overtime triumph against Canada and extended an invitation to the State of the Union, joking that he would “probably be impeached” if he failed to include the women’s team as well. He quipped, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.”

The women’s team’s formal response, emphasizing prior commitments rather than any political stance, caught many observers off guard amid speculation of deeper tensions. While the men’s team has not yet confirmed attendance, congressional officials are reportedly scrambling to accommodate last-minute arrangements.

The snub has sparked online reactions, with some praising the athletes’ priorities and others questioning the optics for women’s sports visibility. The White House has not commented directly on the decline.

This marks another instance in recent years where championship teams have opted out of traditional White House or congressional appearances, highlighting evolving dynamics between athletes and political events in a polarized era.