Boston Bruins goalie Jeremy Swayman and the U.S. men’s hockey team came under fire from fans on social media after their reaction during a post-game phone call with President Donald Trump. The call took place shortly after Team USA’s gold-medal victory. During the conversation, Trump made a joke about inviting the women’s team to the White House and the State of the Union, warning that failure to do so could lead to impeachment, which caused some players to laugh.
Following the backlash, Swayman acknowledged the response from the team should have been different, especially regarding their respect for the women’s squad.
“We should’ve reacted differently. We’re so excited for the Women’s team and have so much respect for the Women’s team,” Swayman said.
Public Criticism Highlights Demand for Sincere Apologies
Despite this statement, many fans expressed frustration on the social media platform X, questioning the sincerity of the apology and the players’ attitudes. Some users demanded a straightforward and genuine apology, believing the team had failed to show proper respect.
“I still don’t hear a genuine apology.”
“Apologizing to these people does nothing because they don’t want your apology. They want your submission.”
“Now, how hard is it for any of them to say two simple words ‘im sorry’ / ‘we’re sorry,’” another wrote.
Other comments suggested that the players’ laughter indicated a lack of respect for the women’s team, who work equally hard despite not receiving similar recognition or pay.
“That video and the laughing showed you actually have no respect for the women’s team. Yeah you should’ve reacted differently, dude. They work just as hard and don’t get paid millions of dollars to play the same sport. Plus they don’t need 46 years to win a gold medal,” one user posted.
“Still no apology huh? They only wished they reacted differently because they got caught,” another added.
“Dude nearly lost us a game. I’ll take his advice and do the opposite, thank you very much,” a fan commented.
Quinn Hughes Shares Perspective on Team Dynamics Amid Controversy
Quinn Hughes, a key contributor to Team USA’s gold medal win, addressed the ongoing controversy surrounding the post-game phone conversation with President Trump. When questioned about the women’s team declining the invitation to the State of the Union, Hughes expressed strong support and shared insights on team relationships.
“I’m glad you mentioned the women’s team again. We’re extremely happy for them. Obviously [there’s] a lot going [around] on social media right now surrounding our team and their team, but in the last couple summers, we did a lot of training with them and got to know a lot of those girls really well.”
Upcoming Game Adds Pressure for Bruins and Swayman
As the controversy unfolds, Jeremy Swayman and the Boston Bruins prepare to host the Columbus Blue Jackets at TD Garden. The Bruins, currently holding a 32-20-5 record, will take to the ice against the Blue Jackets, who are 29-20-7, with puck drop scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET on Thursday. This game will offer another opportunity for Swayman to refocus attention on his performance amid outside distractions.
Jeremy Swayman on the reaction to the postgame call with President Trump:
“We should’ve reacted differently. We’re so excited for the Women’s team and have so much respect for the Women’s team.” pic.twitter.com/NLJmk7wlE5
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) February 25, 2026
now how hard is it for any of them to say two simple words “im sorry” / “we’re sorry”
— bella ☭ (@bellanati0n) February 25, 2026
still no apology huh? They only wished they reacted differently because they got caught.
— grace | bandwagon time|| (@grace_jayness) February 25, 2026
That video and the laughing showed you actually have no respect for the women’s team. Yeah you should’ve reacted differently, dude. They work just as hard and don’t get paid millions of dollars to play the same sport. Plus they don’t need 46 years to win a gold medal.
— Teresa Callahan (@TCally15) February 25, 2026
Dude nearly lost us a game. I'll take his advice and do the opposite, thank you very much.
— Dylan Gwinn 🇻🇦 (@themightygwinn) February 25, 2026
