U.S. Women's Hockey Player Saddened By Olympic Men's Team Controversy

Abbey Murphy calls men's team apologies 'sad' despite mutual respect between squads.

Published on Mar. 3, 2026

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The U.S. women's and men's hockey teams both won Olympic gold medals in Milan, sparking controversy after President Donald Trump made a questionable remark about the women's team during a congratulatory call with the men. Some players on the men's team later apologized, but U.S. women's hockey star Abbey Murphy said it's 'sad' they had to do so, as there is mutual respect between the two squads. The women's team has not yet scheduled a White House visit, but will be celebrated in Las Vegas by rapper Flavor Flav.

Why it matters

The controversy highlights the ongoing challenges around gender equity in sports, as the women's team's accomplishments were overshadowed by the men's team's interactions with the president. However, the players on both teams have emphasized their mutual respect, underscoring the need to celebrate the achievements of all U.S. Olympic athletes.

The details

After the U.S. men's hockey team won the gold medal game against Canada, President Donald Trump called to congratulate the players. During the call, Trump made a questionable remark about the women's team, saying 'I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.' Several players on the men's team, including Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman, later apologized, saying 'We should've reacted differently' and that they have 'so much respect for the women's team.' U.S. women's hockey star Abbey Murphy said it's 'sad' the men's team had to apologize, as there is mutual respect between the two squads.

  • The U.S. men's and women's hockey teams won Olympic gold medals in Milan on February 19, 2026.
  • The men's team received a congratulatory call from President Trump shortly after their victory.
  • The men's team players apologized for their interactions with Trump in the days following the Olympics.

The players

Abbey Murphy

A star player on the U.S. women's hockey team.

Jeremy Swayman

A Boston Bruins goaltender and member of the U.S. men's hockey team.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time of the 2026 Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“We should've reacted differently. 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. Now that we're home, we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support that we have from the USA and share in this incredible gold medal.”

— Jeremy Swayman, Boston Bruins goaltender (The Skate Pod)

“We never felt anything bad from them. It's sad that they even have to apologize for anything. It really is. They're a special group of boys and we're honored to kind of be in that journey with them and share it. But we know how much they respect us and we respect them. It definitely goes two ways.”

— Abbey Murphy (Fox News Digital)

What’s next

As of this Saturday, the U.S. women's hockey team has not scheduled a date for a meeting with President Trump. However, rapper Flavor Flav has announced that he is hosting a celebration for the women's team in Las Vegas from July 16-19, 2026.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing challenges around gender equity in sports, as the women's team's accomplishments were initially overshadowed. However, the mutual respect expressed by players on both the men's and women's teams underscores the need to celebrate the achievements of all U.S. Olympic athletes, regardless of gender.