US women’s hockey team makes decision on Trump State of the Union invitation

The United States women’s ice hockey team, fresh off a gold medal victory over Canada at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games, declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday.

“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation to our gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” USA Hockey told NBC News. “Due to the schedule and planned academic and professional commitments after the Games, athletes are unable to participate.

“They were honored to be included and are grateful for this recognition.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Team USA celebrates their victory against Sweden at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, February 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

The women’s hockey team has dominated the Olympics, and it came down to the gold medal game against rival Team Canada last week in a thriller that required overtime after a late goal from Hilary Knight tied the game at one with less than two minutes remaining in the third period.

Knight’s heroics led to the three-on-three overtime period, where Megan Keller received a pass up the ice, made a clever fake on a Canadian defender and fired a backhand shot past the goaltender for the victory.

A few days later, the men’s hockey team did the exact same thing against Canada, as Jack Hughes scored the game-winning goal in overtime Sunday afternoon to end the Milan Cortina Games on a high for the United States.

In a call with the men’s hockey team Sunday night after their victory, Trump also invited the team to the State of the Union. It’s unclear if they plan to attend given the NHL schedule resumes Wednesday night.

Grace Zumwinkle of the United States, left, and Taylor Heise celebrate after the women’s ice hockey victory ceremony at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

As Trump explained that he could “send a military plane or something” for the team, a player interrupted him and said, “We’re in.”

Trump then brought up FBI Director Kash Patel, who was seen celebrating with the team in the locker room after the gold medal victory.

“We will have Kash and we will ask the military to help you,” Trump continued. “You won’t have to worry about the weather or landing. We don’t care if it’s snowing or the worst blizzard – we’ll sail just like you did on the ice.”

Trump also brought up the women’s hockey team during his phone call.

“I have to tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you know that,” Trump was heard saying over the phone to the men’s team.

Team USA poses after the medal ceremony following their gold medal match against Canada at the Winter Olympics at the Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, February 19, 2026, in Milan. (Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Trump also joked, “I think I’d probably be impeached” if he didn’t invite the women’s team as well as the men’s team.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League also resumes play Thursday evening.

Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage on and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Related article