Shortly after the United States men’s hockey team secured a historic Olympic gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics, President Donald Trump extended an invitation for them to attend the upcoming State of the Union address in Washington. The invitation sparked debate online, especially since the women’s team, which also won gold, declined to attend due to prior academic and professional commitments.
Jack Hughes, the New Jersey Devils forward who scored the decisive overtime goal against rival Canada, expressed his enthusiasm about the invitation and the opportunity to meet the president. Speaking with The Daily Post during a celebratory event in Miami, Hughes emphasized the pride the team felt representing the nation.
“We’re so proud to represent the US, and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, we’re proud to be Americans, and that’s so patriotic. No matter what your views are, we’re super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be a part of that.”
However, Hughes acknowledged the backlash on social media that followed the team’s acceptance of the invite, expressing frustration with critics who seemed intent on stirring conflict.
“Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today. People are so negative out there, and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing.”
He also addressed concerns over tensions between the men’s and women’s teams, emphasizing that their relationships remained close despite the scheduling issues faced by the women’s squad.
“They’ve got busy schedules, too. Our relationship with them, over the course of being in the Athletes’ Village, I think we are so tight with their group.”
Jack Hughes’ Social Media Following Skyrockets After Gold Medal Win
Following his game-winning goal in the Olympic final against Canada, Jack Hughes’ Instagram account experienced a dramatic surge in followers, crossing the one million mark in less than 24 hours from the 600,000 range. This growth highlights the immense popularity and attention he has garnered after helping the U.S. men’s hockey team end a 46-year Olympic gold drought.
At the time of writing, Hughes’ recent celebratory post featuring his brother Quinn has amassed over 1.3 million likes and more than 93,600 shares, reflecting widespread fan enthusiasm. His performance in the gold medal match has propelled him into the spotlight not only as a key athlete but also as a prominent figure on social media platforms.
Broader Reactions and Notable Support Amid Controversy
The invite to the White House and the subsequent social media storm has drawn attention beyond just the players. Notable figures connected with the hockey community, like Janet Gretzky, have responded to online criticism surrounding loyalty disputes, while legends such as Bobby Orr have expressed their support in related discussions about the Olympics and international hockey dynamics.
As the team prepares to attend the State of the Union, the controversy highlights the complexities athletes face when navigating public recognition and political invitations, especially during high-profile events like the Olympics. Jack Hughes and his teammates continue to focus on their achievements and national pride while managing the varied reactions from the public and media.
Jack Hughes has passed 1 million followers on IG
He was in the 600k range yesterday pic.twitter.com/kwUZrF7SEg
— The Bratt Pack (@TheBrattPack63) February 24, 2026
