The U.S. men’s ice hockey squad drew flak for its behavior after securing a 2-1 victory against Canada in the 2026 Winter Olympics’ gold-medal contest on Sunday. Particular attention was paid to how the team reacted to remarks from President Donald Trump during their conversation.
Subsequent to their triumph, footage surfaced showing the male athletes’ squad conversing with Trump while in the changing room. During the discussion, Trump light-heartedly stated to the competitors, “It will be necessary to invite the women’s team, as you are aware. I truly think I might face impeachment.” This remark from Trump elicited amusement from the players present.
The rhythm of Trump’s expressions, coupled with the men’s team’s reaction, led to censure directed at both sides. Certain observers perceived Trump’s choice of words as implying he felt compelled to extend an invitation to the women’s team—who likewise claimed gold at the 2026 Olympics—and would do so reluctantly. Others believed the men’s reaction to Trump’s statement showed a lack of respect for a women’s team that achieved an identical accomplishment and exhibited a more commanding display en route to their gold medal.
Quinn Hughes, a member of the U.S. men’s ice hockey contingent, spoke to the second point of contention while appearing on “Good Morning America” this Tuesday. When questioned regarding the circumstances, Hughes conveyed that the male squad was “genuinely delighted” for their female counterparts.
“It’s good that you brought up the women’s team once more. We are truly pleased for them. A considerable amount of discussion is circulating across social media presently concerning our group and their group, yet over the past few summers, we’ve conducted extensive training alongside them and established strong connections with many of those athletes.”
Irrespective of various interpretations concerning the telephone conversation, Trump did extend an invitation to the women’s ice hockey squad for the State of the Union address. A representative for the women’s team expressed “profound appreciation” for the invitation, but stated they were unable to be present owing to “pre-arranged academic and career obligations,” as reported by NBC News.
Jack Hughes, Quinn’s sibling and the athlete responsible for netting the decisive goal in the gold-medal contest, also voiced support for the women’s squad, informing the Daily Mail that the men’s team felt “honor” at the women’s achievement.
“Individuals tend to be quite critical. I believe every person within that changing room understands the extent of our backing for them, our profound sense of pride in them, and we are certain that their sentiments towards us mirror our own.”
He further stated that the squad felt enthusiasm and honor regarding the opportunity to meet Trump.
“Indeed, we are thrilled. Every aspect appears to be overly political. We are simply competitors.”
“We hold immense pride in representing the United States, and when presented with the opportunity to visit the White House and encounter the President, we are proud citizens of America, and such an experience is deeply patriotic.”
Ellen Hughes, the mother of Hughes, also offered her perspective on Trump’s telephone conversation with the male squad. Ellen Hughes, who herself competed for Team USA in hockey, participating in the 1992 Women’s World Championship with the national squad, stated that both teams emphasized “cohesion” throughout the Games, according to Today.
“These competitors, both male and female, possess the capacity to foster immense solidarity within a collective and across a nation,” she remarked. “Individuals who offered their support but do not typically follow hockey, individuals with differing political stances, and that is the sole focus for both the men’s team and the women’s team.”
Trump and the male squad were not the sole entities to attract disapproval subsequent to the win. FBI director Kash Patel faced scrutiny for traveling to Italy and celebrating with the men’s team post-victory. Patel was the individual who initiated the call to Trump in the changing room after their triumph.
Trump’s State of the Union address occurred on Tuesday evening, and individuals from the squad were recognized with a collective standing applause. Trump indicated his intention to bestow the Presidential Medal of Freedom upon Connor Hellebuyck as well.
Their attendance there, nonetheless, held the potential to pose difficulties for certain athletes within the men’s team. These competitors were slated to rejoin their respective NHL teams on Tuesday, with league play recommencing after an Olympic intermission on Wednesday. This could have generated a timetable clash for a significant number of players.
Towards the conclusion of the telephone conversation with Trump, several members of the men’s squad conveyed their eagerness to be present at the gathering. As it transpired, logistical arrangements proved not to be a substantial hurdle for the majority of athletes, who convened with Trump in the Oval Office and captured photographs outside the White House on Tuesday, preceding the State of the Union address.
