Video: watson/Elena Maria Müller
After their Olympic gold, the US ice hockey players decided not to visit President Trump. He had previously joked about the invitation in front of the men.
02/24/2026, 04:31February 24, 2026, 12:05 p.m
The US ice hockey Olympic champions have turned down an invitation from President Donald Trump. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation to our gold medal-winning U.S. women’s ice hockey team and greatly appreciate the recognition of their exceptional performance,” the selection said in a statement.
No time for Trump: Americans don’t want to visit the President in the White House.Image: keystone
“However, due to the timing and previously agreed academic and professional commitments after the Games, the athletes will not be able to take part.”
There was initially no official reaction from the White House. The US women secured gold at the Winter Games in Italy on Thursday.
Trump invites men to the State of the Union
A video from the US men’s locker room after their triumph against Canada on Sunday circulated on social media. Numerous US media outlets picked up the video. According to the recordings, Trump is connected via cell phone, congratulates the team and invites the men to the State of the Union – the annual keynote address on the state of the nation in Congress – on Tuesday evening (local time).
Then he says: “I have to tell you, we have to bring the women’s team with us, you know that.” Otherwise there would probably be impeachment proceedings against him, the president joked and the players laughed.
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Video: watson/Elena Maria Müller