US women’s hockey team skips Trump’s State of the Union spotlight

The United States women’s ice hockey team, fresh from its Olympic gold medal, has turned down an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, opting instead to stick with previously scheduled commitments in the immediate aftermath of the Games.

According to US media reports, NBC cited a team statement confirming the decision.

“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning US Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the statement said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”

The refusal comes in a political setting where attendance at the annual address to Congress often carries symbolic weight. Both Republicans and Democrats traditionally invite guests as a way to showcase policy priorities or national achievements, and championship teams are a familiar part of that choreography.

Trump had already invited the men’s ice hockey team after their Olympic victory, and in a phone call captured on video he suggested the women should be included as well.

“We’re gonna have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” he said, prompting laughter from the players.

“I do believe I would probably be impeached, OK?” the president added.

The women’s team secured gold for the first time since 2018 with a 2-1 win over Canada, a result that restored them to the top of one of the most politically and culturally charged rivalries in international sport. Their decision not to attend does not appear to be framed as a political gesture; the explanation offered publicly points instead to the compressed schedule athletes face when transitioning from the Olympic stage back to academic and professional obligations.

It remains unclear whether the men’s team has formally accepted the invitation, though in the recorded call players could be heard cheering and responding, “We’re in.”