The U.S. women’s Olympic ice hockey team has politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his 2026 State of the Union address, citing timing and scheduling conflicts following their gold medal victory at the Winter Games. The team’s decision was confirmed in statements released Monday and reported by major news outlets, including the Associated Press and ESPN.
“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,” the team said in a statement. “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.”
The invitation followed the team’s dramatic 2-1 overtime win over Canada in Milan, Italy, to secure Olympic gold. Logistics also posed challenges: many of the players did not return to North America until Monday evening after a commercial flight, complicating travel plans ahead of Tuesday’s address.
Trump also invited the U.S. men’s hockey team, who claimed their own gold medal with an overtime victory over Canada. That team traveled earlier and by charter flight, and discussions were underway on whether special accommodations could be made for them to be present at the Capitol.
When extending the invitation during a locker room phone call with the men’s team, Trump joked about including the women’s team, “or I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
While reactions have varied, the women’s team emphasized respect for both the honor of the invite and their existing commitments. Their choice reflects the realities athletes face, balancing Olympic achievement with personal and professional obligations.
