Trump celebrated the mens hockey gold. The women were the punchline.
Mashable
February 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The 2026 Winter Olympics saw both the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams secure gold medals, a moment that should have been celebrated collectively. However, attention quickly shifted when a viral locker-room call with President Donald Trump dominated the narrative. During the call, Trump joked about being impeached if he didn't also invite the women's team, reducing their achievement to a political aside. This incident overshadowed the women's historic dominance and the broader cultural surge in hockey popularity, fueled by the series "Heated Rivalry."
The men's team's victory was celebrated with national pride, but the locker-room call created controversy. Online backlash immediately followed, with critics arguing that Trump's actions distracted from the women's accomplishments. The women's team has long been a powerhouse in international hockey, winning medals in every Olympics since 1998 and consistently dominating alongside Canada. Their victory in Milan was no exception, yet it was pushed to the margins due to the viral incident.
The broader context of these Olympics highlighted the growing influence of women in sports. Women accounted for eight of Team USA's 12 gold medals, showcasing their impact across disciplines. Figure skater Alysa Liu's inclusive celebration
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Originally published on Mashable on 2/23/2026