Overview
- Locker‑room video of President Trump joking that he would “have to” invite the women’s team drew laughter from several U.S. men’s players, leading Charlie McAvoy and others to say they should have responded differently.
- Women’s captain Hilary Knight called the remark a “distasteful joke” and urged attention back to both teams’ Olympic golds rather than the viral moment.
- USA Hockey said the women declined the State of the Union invitation due to previously scheduled academic and professional commitments, while Trump said the team will visit the White House soon.
- Brady Tkachuk said a White House TikTok that appeared to show him insulting Canadians was “clearly fake,” noting the clip disclosed AI‑generated media, and he also rejected claims he shouted a political slogan on the call.
- The men’s team visited the White House and was recognized at the State of the Union, with Trump announcing goalie Connor Hellebuyck will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, as broader debate over the episode continued.