Team USA Men's Hockey Team Apologizes for Reaction to Trump's Remarks

Charlie McAvoy and Jeremy Swayman express regret over the team's response to President Trump's comments about the women's gold medal-winning hockey team.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The fallout continues from Team USA's controversial victory lap after winning the gold medal in men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Bruins defenseman Charlie McAvoy and goalie Jeremy Swayman have apologized for how the team responded to President Donald Trump's remarks about the U.S. women's hockey team during a celebratory phone call. McAvoy said "things just happened really quick" and the team's reaction "is certainly not reflective of how we feel and look at them and their accomplishments." Swayman also said the team "should've reacted differently." The women's team had declined Trump's invitation to the White House due to scheduling conflicts.

Why it matters

The controversy has overshadowed the men's team's historic gold medal win, the first for the U.S. since the 1980 Olympics. It has also highlighted the ongoing tensions between the men's and women's national hockey teams, as well as the political divides that can arise around major sporting events and interactions with the president.

The details

During a congratulatory phone call with the men's team, Trump joked about having to invite the women's team as well, eliciting laughter from some of the players. The women's team had declined Trump's invitation earlier in the week due to scheduling issues. Team captain Hilary Knight called Trump's joke "distasteful" and said it was "overshadowing" the women's success. McAvoy, the son-in-law of Team USA coach Mike Sullivan, and Swayman, McAvoy's Bruins teammate, have both expressed regret over the team's response.

  • The men's team won the gold medal on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • Trump called the men's team on Sunday to congratulate them.
  • The women's team declined Trump's invitation earlier in the week.

The players

Charlie McAvoy

A defenseman for the Boston Bruins and the son-in-law of Team USA coach Mike Sullivan.

Jeremy Swayman

A goalie for the Boston Bruins and a teammate of McAvoy on Team USA.

Hilary Knight

The captain of the U.S. women's hockey team, which won the gold medal in Milan.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who called the men's hockey team to congratulate them on their gold medal win.

Brady Tkachuk

The captain of the Ottawa Senators and a member of the U.S. men's hockey team.

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What they’re saying

“I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke and unfortunately that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats.”

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

“Honestly, it was just a whirlwind of a moment, and you can't control what somebody says and... I guess caught off guard a little bit.”

— Brady Tkachuk, Captain, Ottawa Senators (CTV)

What’s next

The U.S. men's and women's hockey teams are expected to attend the State of the Union address on Tuesday to celebrate their gold medal victories.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and dynamics between the men's and women's national hockey teams, as well as the political sensitivities that can arise around major sporting events and interactions with the president. It serves as a reminder of the need for mutual respect and support between all members of Team USA, regardless of gender.