US Hockey Star Hilary Knight Slams Donald Trump During SNL Joke

Knight mocked Trump's controversial remarks about the women's hockey team's Olympic gold medal win.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Hilary Knight, a member of the US women's hockey team, took a jab at former President Donald Trump during her appearance on Saturday Night Live. Knight's criticism came in response to Trump's controversial remarks about the women's team after their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between some US athletes and the former president, particularly around issues of gender equality and respect for women's sports. Knight's comments on SNL drew attention to Trump's dismissive attitude towards the women's team's accomplishments.

The details

During the SNL sketch, Knight joked that the appearance was initially meant to include only members of the women's team, but they decided to invite the men as well, 'to give them a little moment to shine.' This was a clear reference to Trump's earlier remarks, where he had suggested that the men's team should be invited to the State of the Union address alongside the women's team. Some members of the men's team were reported to have laughed at Trump's joke during a locker-room call, though they later expressed regret for their actions.

  • Hilary Knight and other members of the US women's hockey team appeared on Saturday Night Live on March 2, 2026.
  • In a phone call, former President Trump initially congratulated the men's hockey team on their win and invited them to the State of the Union in Washington.

The players

Hilary Knight

A member of the US women's hockey team who won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who made controversial remarks about the women's hockey team's Olympic victory.

Megan Keller

A member of the US women's hockey team who appeared on Saturday Night Live alongside Hilary Knight.

Jack Hughes

A member of the US men's hockey team who appeared on Saturday Night Live with the women's team.

Quinn Hughes

A member of the US men's hockey team who appeared on Saturday Night Live with the women's team.

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What they’re saying

“It was going to be just us, but we thought we'd invite the guys too. We thought we'd give them a little moment to shine.”

— Hilary Knight (Saturday Night Live)

“We know that we are so excited for the women's team. We have so much respect for the women's team. To share that gold medal with them is something we're forever grateful for.”

— Jeremy Swayman, Team USA backup goalie (mandatory.com)

What’s next

The US women's hockey team is expected to continue their victory tour and make additional media appearances to celebrate their Olympic gold medal win.

The takeaway

Hilary Knight's sarcastic comments on SNL highlight the ongoing tensions between some US athletes and the former president, particularly around issues of gender equality and respect for women's sports. The incident underscores the need for greater recognition and support for the accomplishments of female athletes.