U.S. Men's Hockey Team Faces Backlash Over Trump Remarks

Players laughed at President Trump's disparaging comments about the U.S. women's hockey team, sparking outrage.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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After the U.S. men's and women's hockey teams swept gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, the men's team faced intense backlash for their behavior in the post-game locker room. Videos showed the men chugging beers with FBI director Kash Patel and laughing along as President Donald Trump made disparaging remarks about the women's team, suggesting they should be invited to the State of the Union address. The women's team declined the White House invitation, citing scheduling conflicts, and instead accepted an invitation from rapper Flava Flav to celebrate in Las Vegas. The incident has highlighted the deep-seated toxicity, conservatism, and misogyny within men's hockey culture.

Why it matters

The U.S. women's hockey team has been one of the most dominant programs in the world, winning three Olympic gold medals in a quarter of the time it has taken the men's team. The lack of respect and consideration shown by the men's team towards their female counterparts, even after their historic Olympic triumph, speaks to the broader issues of sexism and gender inequality that still permeate the sport of hockey.

The details

In videos from the post-game celebration, the U.S. men's hockey team can be seen drinking with FBI director Kash Patel and taking a call with President Trump, who suggested inviting the women's team to the State of the Union address. The men laughed along with Trump's disparaging remarks about the women's team. The women's team declined the White House invitation, citing scheduling conflicts, and instead accepted an invitation from rapper Flava Flav to celebrate in Las Vegas.

  • The U.S. men's and women's hockey teams swept gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
  • The U.S. men's team attended the State of the Union address on Tuesday night, where President Trump announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The players

Kash Patel

FBI director.

Donald Trump

Former President of the United States.

Connor Hellebuyck

Goalie for the U.S. men's hockey team.

Aerin Frankel

Goalie for the U.S. women's hockey team.

Ellen Hughes

Former member of the U.S. women's national hockey team and a player-development coach for the current women's team.

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What they’re saying

“If you could see what we see from the inside, and the men and women sharing dorm rooms and halls and flex floors, and the camaraderie and the synergy, and the way the women cheered on the men, and the way the men cheered on the women—that's what it's all about.”

— Ellen Hughes, Former U.S. women's national hockey team player and coach (Today)

“I'm glad you brought up the women, because it was amazing to spend some time with them too. And then obviously watch them. Me and Jack were there. We watched them win the gold medal.”

— Quinn Hughes, U.S. men's hockey team player (Today)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.