Members of the gold medal-winning US men's and women's Olympic hockey teams have responded to controversy over a phone call from President Trump to the men's team. Trump joked about inviting the women's team to avoid impeachment, prompting laughter from the men and criticism from some players. The remarks have overshadowed the teams' achievements in Milan.
The controversy stems from a celebratory phone call President Trump made to the US men's hockey team after their 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. During the call, with the team on speakerphone in the locker room, Trump said, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. If they weren’t invited, I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK?” The men's players laughed at the comment.
The US men's team attended Trump's State of the Union address on February 24 at the US Capitol. The women's team, also gold medal winners, declined an invitation due to timing and prior commitments, according to a USA Hockey spokesperson on February 23. The spokesperson stated, “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. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Players from both teams shared their reactions in interviews around February 25. Hilary Knight, captain of the women's team and the most decorated US Olympic women's hockey player, called the joke “distasteful” on ESPN and at a Seattle Torrent news conference. She said it overshadows the women's success and the program's three gold medals in history, as well as the double gold for both teams. Knight added, “I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another.”
Jeremy Swayman, the men's team goalie and a Boston Bruins player, told reporters after practice that the team “should have reacted differently” but expressed gratitude for sharing the gold medal. Kelly Pannek of the women's team and Minnesota Frost noted the men's support in Milan but said of the call, “the video is what it is,” urging focus on accomplishments.
Jack Hughes, who scored the game-winning goal for the men and plays for the New Jersey Devils, was not surprised by the criticism, stating, “No matter what’s going on, someone’s going to like it, someone’s not going to like it.” He emphasized mutual respect between the teams. His mother, Ellen Hughes, a former US women's national team member, highlighted the teams' role in bringing unity. Hayley Scamurra of the women's team and Montréal Victoire said on a podcast, “I just want to focus on how great our team is and how dominant we were the whole tournament. We got double gold, men’s and women’s side. That is so incredible.”
The White House did not respond to requests for comment on the players' statements.
