US Women's Hockey Team Declines Trump's State of Union Invite

The gold medal-winning squad cites scheduling conflicts with prior commitments.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The U.S. women's hockey team that won the gold medal at the recent Winter Olympics has politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address on Tuesday. In a statement, the team expressed gratitude for the recognition but said they are unable to participate due to previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games.

Why it matters

The decision by the women's hockey team to decline the White House invitation continues a trend of some championship sports teams opting out of traditional post-victory visits, often citing political disagreements with the current administration.

The details

The U.S. women's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, defeating Canada in a thrilling final game. Following their victory, the team received an invitation from President Trump to attend his State of the Union address on February 25th. However, the team has declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts with prior academic and professional commitments after the Games.

  • The U.S. women's hockey team won the gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
  • President Trump invited the team to attend his State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.

The players

U.S. Women's Hockey Team

The gold medal-winning U.S. women's hockey team from the 2026 Winter Olympics.

President Donald Trump

The President of the United States who invited the U.S. women's hockey team to attend his State of the Union address.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— U.S. Women's Hockey Team (Statement)

The takeaway

This decision by the U.S. women's hockey team to decline the White House invitation reflects a growing trend of championship sports teams opting out of traditional post-victory visits, often citing political disagreements or scheduling conflicts with the current administration.