US women’s ice hockey team declines Trump’s State of the Union invitation
Al Jazeera
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The US women's ice hockey team has politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his upcoming State of the Union address. The team, which recently won Olympic gold, cited prior academic and professional commitments as the reason for their inability to participate. In a statement, they expressed gratitude for the offer but emphasized that scheduling conflicts made it impossible for them to accept.
The decision comes after Trump humorously suggested during a call with the men's ice hockey team—also Olympic gold medalists—that he would be "impeached" if he didn't extend an invitation to the women's team. While the men's team appeared to accept the offer, their response was met with laughter, and it remains unclear whether they have formally accepted Trump's invitation.
This situation highlights a growing trend of political engagement in sports, where athletes are increasingly being asked to participate in high-profile events tied to government agendas. The incident also reflects the ongoing tension between politics and athletics, particularly under the Trump administration, which has often sought to merge these spheres for public relations purposes.
The women's team's refusal underscores their focus on maintaining a separation between their athletic achievements and political involvement. Their decision to decline the invitation, despite the honor it represents, demonstrates a commitment to prioritizing their professional and personal obligations following their Olympic success.
For readers interested in global politics and sports, this story illustrates how athletes are becoming pawns in broader cultural and political battles. It also raises questions about the role of sports in diplomacy and whether such invitations serve the interests of both the athletes and the public.
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/24/2026