Olympic Champion Women’s Hockey Team Turns Down State of Union Invite

The U.S. women's hockey team that won Olympic gold has respectfully turned down President Trump's invitation to Tuesday's State of the Union address. The team cited scheduling conflicts with academic and professional obligations following their return from the Games.

The champion U.S. women’s hockey squad that captured Olympic gold has respectfully turned down President Trump’s offer to join him at Tuesday evening’s State of the Union address.

In a statement issued Monday, the women’s team expressed appreciation for the recognition while explaining their absence. “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’s statement read. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”

President Trump extended similar invitations to both the men’s and women’s Olympic hockey champions. However, timing presents obstacles as NHL action resumes Wednesday with five scheduled contests, while the PWHL returns to play Thursday. Both championship teams touched down in Miami Monday.

White House officials have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the attendance status of either squad.

The recent Olympic hockey competition delivered dramatic championship matches, with both gold medal contests decided in overtime periods. The American women claimed victory over Canada 2-1 in Thursday’s final, while the men’s team also defeated Canada on Sunday.

Men’s team member Matthew Tkachuk shared his excitement upon returning to U.S. soil in Miami. “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,” Tkachuk commented after the team’s arrival.

“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 described receiving communication from Trump following their victory as meaningful. “And so we are definitely honored to represent him and the millions and millions across the country.”

During the Games’ opening week, Vice President JD Vance and his family were present for two of the U.S. women’s preliminary victories.