Following the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams’ historic dual gold medal wins at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Team USA captain Hilary Knight spoke out against a controversial joke made by former President Donald Trump. Knight emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating women’s achievements without distraction.
Both American teams secured their third Olympic gold by narrowly defeating Canada, each winning 2-1 in overtime. However, much attention shifted to the aftermath when Trump made a joke aimed at the women’s team during an interaction with the men’s players.
Details of Trump’s Comment and Its Reception
After the men’s team clinched their gold medal with a game-winning goal by Jack Hughes, Trump invited them to attend the State of the Union address in Washington, D.C. During the dressing room meeting, he quipped that the women’s hockey team would also have to be invited, joking that he might “probably be impeached” if he didn’t include them. Several male players laughed at the joke, sparking widespread criticism once the video was shared publicly.
I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,
Trump stated, followed by a lighthearted comment about impeachment.
This moment quickly became a focal point for discussions about respect and recognition of women athletes.
Hilary Knight’s Perspective on the Incident and Celebrating Women’s Olympic Success
Speaking with ESPN’s SportsCenter, Knight called the joke “distasteful” and expressed frustration that such remarks overshadowed the women’s team’s remarkable accomplishments at the Olympics. The women’s team had an outstanding performance with a 7-0 record, including outscoring their opponents 33-2 and earning five shutouts.
I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and unfortunately that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats,
Knight said, emphasizing that the focus should remain on the athletes’ achievements.
She added,
We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in program history as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time. And really not detract from that with a distasteful joke.
Team USA Women’s Decision to Decline Trump’s State of the Union Invitation
While the men’s team accepted Trump’s invitation and attended the State of the Union address, the women’s team opted out due to prior commitments following the Games. A statement from Team USA acknowledged their gratitude for the recognition, despite the scheduling conflict that prevented their attendance.
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 said.
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.
Trump claimed that the women’s team would visit him “soon” as part of a follow-up recognition, though no formal arrangements have been announced.
Jeremy Swayman and Reflections on the Men’s Team Reaction
Boston Bruins goaltender and Team USA member Jeremy Swayman shared regret about the men’s team response to Trump’s joke during a press interaction. He stressed the men’s admiration for the women’s team and pride in sharing gold medals, underscoring a respectful relationship between the squads.
We should have reacted differently. We know that,
said Swayman.
We are so excited for the women’s team. We have so much respect for the women’s team, and to share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for. And now that we’re home, we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support that we have from the USA and sharing this incredible gold medal.
Knight also acknowledged this mutual respect but noted that the men’s response to Trump’s joke was disappointing.
I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,
Knight observed.
I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.
Hilary Knight’s Pivotal Role and the Women’s Team’s Olympic Triumph
In what was her final Olympic appearance, Knight played a crucial role in the women’s hockey final against Canada. She scored the game-tying goal in the closing minutes of regulation, setting up Megan Keller—her former Boston Fleet teammate—to score the overtime winner.
This victory solidified the women’s team as one of the most dominant forces in the tournament, highlighting Knight’s leadership and skill throughout the Games.
TIE GAME! TIE GAME! THE CAPTAIN! pic.twitter.com/Fg9ycbZ2BY
Broader Reflections on Respect and Recognition for Women in Sports
Beyond the Olympic hockey context, Knight used the controversy as a teachable moment about the broader conversation surrounding women’s accomplishments. She called on society to elevate women based solely on their merits, resisting narratives that diminish or overshadow their success.
I think it’s a really good learning point, to really focus on how we talk about women, not only in sport but in industry,
Knight emphasized.
Women aren’t less than, and their achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are.
You can hear the genuine pride in Donald Trumps voice when he called the Team USA Hockey Team pic.twitter.com/ch6GbXShwh
— Harrison Krank (@HarrisonKrank) February 23, 2026
TIE GAME! TIE GAME! THE CAPTAIN! pic.twitter.com/Fg9ycbZ2BY
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) February 19, 2026
