Trump snubbed? US women’s hockey team declines State of the Union invite from US President
Washington: The U.S. women’s hockey team that won Olympic gold has declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union address, citing prior academic and professional commitments and travel constraints following the Games.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the team said in a statement released Monday. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honoured to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgement.”
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Scheduling complications also affected travel plans. Many of the women players were not due to arrive in North America until Monday evening, travelling on commercial flights with a scheduled landing in Atlanta, while the men’s team flew by charter to Miami. The NHL regular season resumes Wednesday, and the PWHL on Thursday.
A person familiar with the situation said the players learned of the invitation late Sunday night, making it difficult to alter travel arrangements. The individual spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to discuss team logistics publicly.
The White House did not immediately comment on the status of both teams’ attendance.
Trump had extended the invitation to the men’s team on Sunday night, saying, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that." He added jokingly that if he did not invite them, “I do believe I probably would be impeached."
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The Olympic tournament concluded with dramatic overtime finals, with the U.S. women defeating Canada 2-1 to win gold on Thursday, and the U.S. men beating Canada on Sunday.
“It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been amazing. It’s a dream of ours, it was such an amazing way to unite the country,” said Matthew Tkachuk after the men’s team arrived in Miami.
“We felt the support being across the Atlantic, and now being back on home soil, we could feel it the second the wheels hit the ground. So excited to be back in the greatest country in the world and so excited to celebrate.”
Tkachuk added it was an honour to hear from Trump after the victory. “And so we are definitely honoured to represent him and the millions and millions across the country.”