U.S. women's hockey declines Trump invite to State of the Union - ESPN
ESPN
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The U.S. women's hockey team, which won gold at the Olympics, has declined President Donald Trump's invitation to attend his State of the Union address. The team expressed gratitude for the honor but cited scheduling conflicts and prior commitments as reasons for declining. Meanwhile, the men's team, also invited, faced fewer logistical challenges and may attend.
The decision was influenced by timing, as many women's team members were not scheduled to return to North America until Monday evening. A source revealed they learned of the invite late Sunday night, making it difficult to adjust their travel plans. Trump had humorously emphasized the importance of inviting both teams, even joking about potential impeachment if he overlooked the women's team.
The Olympic tournament was a moment of unity for the country, with both medal finals ending in thrilling overtime victories. The men's team celebrated their win upon arrival in Miami, expressing excitement to be back on home soil and honored to represent the U.S. While logistics played a role in the women's team's decision, their achievements have still garnered widespread recognition, highlighting the growing attention given to female athletes post-Olympics.
This story matters as it underscores the challenges faced by elite athletes balancing international competitions with personal and professional obligations. It also reflects the broader cultural shift in recognizing and celebrating female sports achievements, both on and off the ice. The situation highlights the delicate dance between political recognition and athlete priorities, offering insight into the complexities of post-Olympic life for championship teams.
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Originally published on ESPN on 2/24/2026