Title: U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Passes on State of the Union Invitation

6 February 202624 February 2026 Fred Lamy World

The U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team, fresh off a gold medal victory, has chosen not to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, citing prior academic and professional commitments. The invitation followed a congratulatory phone call Trump made to the men’s hockey team during their own Olympic celebration, even offering a military plane to bring the players to Washington, D.C.

During the call, Trump encouraged both teams to attend, joking that excluding the women’s team could have serious consequences. The remarks sparked laughter among players and prompted widespread attention on social media.

While both the men’s and women’s teams received formal invitations, the women’s team issued a statement expressing gratitude but confirming they could not participate:

“We appreciate the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and are grateful for the recognition of our achievement. Due to previously scheduled commitments following the Games, we are unable to attend. We were honored to be included and value the acknowledgment.”

The teams’ schedules are demanding, as players must quickly return to their professional and college-level hockey programs. The Professional Women’s Hockey League resumes shortly after the Olympics, while NHL players return to regular season play.

Both U.S. hockey teams secured gold in thrilling overtime matches against Canada, with the women winning 2-1 on Thursday and the men following with their 2-1 overtime victory on Sunday. Jack Hughes, scorer of the men’s game-winning goal, highlighted the women’s team’s efforts, specifically noting Megan Keller’s decisive performance in their final.

This win adds to the women’s team’s Olympic legacy, as they also claimed gold at the 2018 PyeongChang Games and attended a White House celebration during Trump’s first term. The men’s team achieved their first gold since the famous 1980 “Miracle on Ice.”

The women’s decision not to attend the State of the Union underscores their commitment to ongoing responsibilities while celebrating their achievements. Both teams continue to prepare for the next phase of their professional seasons, carrying the momentum and pride of their historic victories back to their respective programs.