The gold medal-winning United States women’s national ice hockey team has declined an invitation from Donald Trump to attend this week’s State of the Union address, citing prior academic and professional commitments.
In a statement, a USA Hockey spokesperson expressed appreciation for the recognition while explaining the team’s decision.
“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 spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The spokesperson added, “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
The women’s team secured its gold medal by defeating the Canada women’s national ice hockey team on Thursday, becoming the first of the two American Olympic hockey teams to claim the top podium finish. Days later, the United States men’s national ice hockey team followed with a dramatic overtime victory over Canada on Sunday, marking the Americans’ first Olympic gold in men’s hockey since the famed 1980 “Miracle on Ice” squad at Lake Placid.
After the men’s win, President Trump called into the team’s locker room to congratulate the players and extended an invitation for them to attend the State of the Union address. During the call, he also referenced the women’s team, joking that he would face consequences if they were not included.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump said while speaking to the men’s team.
Trump added that if he didn’t invite them, “I do believe I probably would be impeached,” he quipped.
His joke generated backlash on social media.
The men’s team immediately accepted the invitation and expressed enthusiasm about the visit.
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Trumps right…. damned if he does and damned if he doesn’t… the name calling and impeachment attempts are jokes at this point… plus, did anybody really watch the women’s hockey anyway… I didn’t know it even existed…
Snubbed? I don’t think so…the women had other plans that superceded the invite. No snub there for turning down the invite. You fantic Pro Trump supporters will try and twist anything into a political statement. Just report the facts and don’t resort to yellow journalism!
OH PLEASE!! “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate” BS. You don’t turn down an honorary visit to the White House for anything as lame as previously scheduled commitments. This is just a case of leftist Karens showing what they are all about. I’m glad they aren’t coming. Who needs them.