U.S. Women’s Hockey Team Declines State of the Union Invite

Fresh off their Olympic triumph, the U.S. women’s hockey squad has opted not to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, explaining that previously arranged academic and professional obligations make participation impossible. The invitation followed the president’s congratulatory phone call to the men’s team during their celebration, where he praised their achievement and floated the idea of bringing players to Washington, D.C., for the event.

Both the men’s and women’s teams received formal invitations. In a statement, the women’s team expressed appreciation for the recognition but confirmed their schedule would not allow them to be present. Players are returning quickly to their respective programs as competition resumes across major leagues and collegiate hockey.

The Olympic victories for both U.S. teams came in dramatic fashion against Canada, each decided by a 2–1 overtime result. After scoring the men’s winning goal, Jack Hughes publicly praised the women’s performance, highlighting teammate Megan Keller’s decisive contribution in their final. The mutual recognition reflected a shared sense of accomplishment across the program.

With little time to celebrate, players are shifting focus back to domestic competition. The Professional Women’s Hockey League resumes play shortly, while athletes competing in the National Hockey League return to regular-season action. The demanding calendar leaves limited opportunity for ceremonial appearances despite the historic nature of the wins.

The women’s gold medal adds to an already distinguished Olympic record that includes their victory at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, the men’s championship marks their first Olympic title since the legendary Miracle on Ice, a milestone widely regarded as one of the most iconic moments in American sports history.

Although the team will not attend the State of the Union, players emphasized their gratitude for the acknowledgment of their achievement. Their decision reflects the realities of elite athletic schedules rather than a dismissal of the invitation. As both teams transition from Olympic glory back into competitive league play, the focus now shifts to sustaining momentum and building on their success in the seasons ahead.