Hilary Knight responds to Trump's comment on women's team - ESPN
ESPN
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hilary Knight, a U.S. women's hockey gold medalist, criticized President Trump's recent comments about inviting the women's team to the State of the Union address, calling it "distasteful." While Trump joked that not inviting the women's team could lead to impeachment, Knight emphasized her focus on celebrating the team's successes at the Milan Olympics, including their historic achievements and three gold medals. She highlighted the importance of recognizing the women's accomplishments rather than allowing political distractions to overshadow their hard work.
The article details how Trump's comment was met with mixed reactions. Several men's team players initially laughed, drawing criticism online. However, Knight praised the strong bond between the men's and women's teams, noting their mutual respect and support during the Olympics. Despite declining an invitation due to scheduling conflicts, the women's team expressed gratitude for the recognition of their achievements.
Knight also reflected on her Olympic journey, including her final games at age 36, where she became the most decorated player in U.S. women's hockey history. Her leadership and dedication have made her a key figure in the sport, and her focus remains on celebrating female athletes' successes both on and off the ice.
This story matters to sports fans because it highlights the importance of gender equality and respect within athletics. It also underscores how political comments can impact the narrative around athletes' hard-earned achievements. Knight's emphasis on unity and support among teams, regardless of external distractions, serves as a powerful message for all sports enthusiasts.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/26/2026