Olympic Hockey Teams Celebrate Shared Triumph, Downplay Political Tensions

Despite Trump's comments, U.S. men's and women's hockey teams express mutual respect and pride in their accomplishments

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In the aftermath of the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams winning gold medals at the Winter Olympics, the American media has focused heavily on the teams' reactions to President Trump's comments about the women's team visiting the White House. However, the players themselves have largely downplayed the political tensions, expressing mutual respect and pride in each other's achievements.

Why it matters

The media's tendency to sensationalize political disagreements risks overshadowing the remarkable athletic accomplishments of both the men's and women's hockey teams. By highlighting the players' shared camaraderie and sportsmanship, the story can serve as an uplifting example of how Americans can come together to celebrate national pride and success, even in the face of political divisiveness.

The details

After the men's team won gold, President Trump invited them to the White House, joking that he would also have to invite the women's team. Some members of the women's team, including captain Hilary Knight, criticized Trump's comments as "distasteful and unfortunate." However, players from both teams have since expressed mutual admiration and respect for each other's achievements. Men's team captain Auston Matthews said, "We have nothing but respect for the women's team and what they were able to accomplish." Women's gold medalist Taylor Heise called for the focus to shift back to the teams' shared pride in representing the United States.

  • The U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal almost 84 hours before the Athletic published articles focusing on the teams' reactions to President Trump's comments.
  • President Trump invited the men's hockey team to the White House during the awards ceremony.

The players

Hilary Knight

Captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, who criticized President Trump's comments as "distasteful and unfortunate."

Auston Matthews

Captain of the U.S. men's hockey team, who expressed respect and admiration for the women's team.

Taylor Heise

Women's gold medalist, who called for the focus to shift back to the teams' shared pride in representing the United States.

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What they’re saying

“I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate. I think the way women are represented, it's a great teaching point to really shine light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats. And now I have to sit in front of you and explain someone else's behavior. It's not my responsibility.”

— Hilary Knight, Captain, U.S. Women's Hockey Team (The Athletic)

“We have nothing but respect for the women's team and what they were able to accomplish. And it's amazing that the men's and women's ice hockey teams are both bringing home gold medals for the United States of America. And I think that should be talked about more than the other.”

— Auston Matthews, Captain, U.S. Men's Hockey Team (The Athletic)

“I can't wait 'til this blows over in a week and we can go back to each team being proud of what we accomplished. And proud of each other.”

— Taylor Heise, Women's Gold Medalist (The Athletic)

What’s next

The U.S. women's hockey team has not yet confirmed plans to visit the White House, stating that any such visit would be scheduled after their current professional and collegiate seasons conclude.

The takeaway

The shared triumph and camaraderie between the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams serves as an inspiring example of how Americans can come together to celebrate national success, even in the face of political divisiveness. By focusing on the players' mutual respect and pride, the media can help shift the narrative away from partisan tensions and towards the remarkable athletic achievements of both teams.