America’s gold medal-winning men’s hockey team proved that patriotism isn’t political when they eagerly accepted President Trump’s invitation to attend the State of the Union address, while the women’s team quietly declined.
Story Highlights
- U.S. men’s hockey team attends Trump’s State of the Union after winning Olympic gold against Canada in dramatic overtime victory
- Trump personally called the team moments after their 2-1 win, arranging military transport to Washington within 48 hours
- Players rejected critics’ attempts to politicize the invitation, emphasizing pride in representing America
- Women’s gold medal team declined the invitation citing scheduling conflicts, creating stark contrast in responses
Olympic Heroes Answer Presidential Call
The U.S. men’s hockey team arrived in Washington on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, to attend President Trump’s State of the Union address after their historic Olympic gold medal victory in Milan. House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed the team’s attendance despite a packed House chamber, stating they would “squeeze them in” to honor these American champions. The team met with Trump at the White House earlier that day, visiting both the Oval Office and South Lawn before the evening address. Their presence symbolized a rare moment of unity, celebrating American excellence on the world stage.
Rapid Logistics Overcome Political Obstacles
Trump’s invitation came immediately after the team’s 2-1 overtime victory against Canada on Sunday, February 22, when he called them via speakerphone alongside FBI Director Kash Patel. The president offered military transportation to ensure the team could transition from their Milan celebrations to the nation’s capital within 48 hours. The team traveled through Miami on Monday before flying to Washington on a government plane Tuesday morning. This unprecedented logistical coordination demonstrated the administration’s commitment to honoring American athletic achievement, overcoming the typical bureaucratic hurdles that might have prevented such a last-minute appearance.
Players Reject Politicization of Patriotism
New Jersey Devils star Jack Hughes articulated what many Americans feel when he told reporters, “Everything is so political. We’re athletes… super excited” about the White House visit. Hughes emphasized the team’s focus on patriotism rather than partisan politics, stating they were “proud to represent the U.S., that’s so patriotic.” This response reflects common-sense American values that transcend political divisions. The players’ enthusiasm stands in stark contrast to athletes who’ve used similar invitations as platforms for protest, showing that genuine patriotism still resonates with many Americans who simply want to celebrate national achievements without injecting divisive political agendas.
Women’s Team Absence Raises Questions
The U.S. women’s hockey team, which also won gold at the Milan Olympics, declined the State of the Union invitation through USA Hockey, citing “timing and commitments” related to academic and professional obligations. This polite refusal created a notable contrast with the men’s enthusiastic acceptance, potentially reflecting broader cultural tensions around politics in sports. While the official explanation cited scheduling conflicts, the decision mirrors patterns seen with other athletes who’ve declined White House invitations during Republican administrations. The divergent responses between the men’s and women’s teams highlight ongoing debates about whether athletes should separate athletic achievement from political statements, a frustration for Americans who believe sports should unite rather than divide the nation.
Historic Victory Echoes American Hockey Legacy
The 2-1 overtime victory against Canada, secured by Jack Hughes’ decisive goal, represents a significant achievement in U.S. hockey history. Gold medal victories against Canada remain rare, evoking memories of the legendary 1980 “Miracle on Ice” when American underdogs defeated the Soviet Union. Speaker Johnson framed the team’s State of the Union appearance as symbolic, noting “we all play for America’s team.” This celebration of American exceptionalism resonates with conservative values emphasizing national pride and individual achievement. The team’s visibility at such a high-profile event elevates hockey’s profile domestically while showcasing American competitive success on the international stage, countering narratives of American decline that dominated previous years.
Sources:
U.S. men’s hockey team to appear at Trump’s State of the Union with gold medals
US men’s hockey star Jack Hughes talks Trump’s State of Union invite
