Former ESPN Host Keith Olbermann Condemns US Men's Hockey Team Over Trump Invitation
Former ESPN personality Keith Olbermann has unleashed a furious tirade against the USA men's Olympic hockey team for accepting an invitation from former President Donald Trump to attend the State of the Union address and visit the White House this week. The controversy erupted after Trump extended the offer during a celebratory phone call with the men's team following their dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the gold medal game at the Winter Olympics on Sunday.
Women's Team Declines Invitation Amid Scheduling Conflicts
In a stark contrast, the US women's hockey team, who also secured gold at the Milan Winter Olympics, formally turned down Trump's invitation on Monday. A spokesperson for USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the recognition but cited "previously scheduled academic and professional commitments" as the reason for their absence. The women's decision highlights a clear divergence in responses between the two championship teams.
Olbermann's Scathing Social Media Critique
Taking to social media on Monday, Olbermann did not mince words in his condemnation of the men's team. He wrote, 'Anybody smart (or respectful of women athletes) on the U.S. Men's Olympic hockey team or connected to it, will refuse Trump's invitation to The State of the Union. Any who show up are declaring their indelible stupidity and misogyny. The End.' In a follow-up post, he added, 'It's official: US Gold Winning Olympic Hockey team declined invitation to be political props for Trump at the SOTU tomorrow. The women, that is. The men are still too stupid, self-absorbed and misogynistic to realize that going, will stick to them permanently.'
Trump's Playful Invitation and Impeachment Joke
During the phone call with the men's team in their locker room in Milan, Trump enthusiastically proposed, 'I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to, it's the coolest night. We will do the White House the next day, we will just have some fun, we have medals for you guys.' He humorously noted the inclusion of the women's team, joking, 'We have, I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I would probably be impeached (if he didn't invite them).' The men's team immediately accepted the offer, with some players laughing at the impeachment remark.
Celebrations and Political Reactions
The victory celebrations saw Kash Patel, a former Trump administration official, joining the locker room festivities in Milan. Video footage appeared to show him chugging a beer and partying with the players. Meanwhile, Jack Hughes, who scored the winning overtime goal, delivered an emotional and patriotic interview post-game, stating, 'This is all about our country right now. I love the USA. I love my teammates… I'm so proud to be an American today.' His comments caught the attention of Vice President JD Vance, who praised Hughes on social media, noting his pride and missing teeth from the game.
The incident underscores ongoing tensions in sports and politics, with Olbermann's criticism amplifying debates over gender equality and political symbolism in athletic achievements.
