Trump's Remarks on Women's Hockey Team Invitation Draw Widespread Condemnation
President Donald Trump is confronting significant criticism after a video surfaced showing him joking about the necessity of inviting the USA women's hockey team to the White House. The incident occurred during a celebratory phone call with the USA men's hockey team, who secured Olympic gold against Canada over the weekend.
Controversial Comments During Locker Room Celebration
In the recorded call, which was posted online, Trump praised the men's team for their "unbelievable" victory and extended an invitation to attend his State of the Union address. He also mentioned plans to host them at the White House. However, the president then added, "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that," eliciting laughter from the players.
Trump further quipped, "I do believe I would probably be impeached" if he failed to invite the women's team, who also triumphed over Canada to claim gold last week. These remarks have been interpreted by many as suggesting the invitation was an obligation rather than a genuine honor.
Immediate Backlash from Prominent Figures
The comments prompted swift reactions from various public figures. Carey Lohrenz, a former U.S. Navy lieutenant and the first qualified woman naval aviator to fly an F-14 Tomcat, expressed her dismay on social media. "Culture and integrity matter," Lohrenz wrote, highlighting the women's team's impressive record of medaling in every Olympic Games since the inaugural tournament in Nagano, including gold medals in 1998, 2018, and 2026.
Shannon Watts, an anti-gun violence activist, accused Trump of "begrudgingly inviting the women's gold-winning team." Meanwhile, sports commentator Keith Olbermann called for the men's team to refuse the State of the Union invitation in protest, stating that attending would signify "indelible stupidity and misogyny."
Uncertainty Surrounding Invitations and Attendance
It remains unclear whether the USA women's hockey team has received an invitation to the State of the Union or if Trump contacted them directly to offer congratulations. The White House did post a social media message congratulating the women's team on their victory, but no further details have been provided.
Additionally, the men's team's ability to attend the address is in question due to the resumption of National Hockey League games this week. FBI Director Kash Patel, who was present during the post-game celebrations, facilitated the call between the president and the players and has committed to arranging their travel to Washington, D.C., as requested.
Broader Implications for Women's Sports and Presidential Protocol
This incident has ignited a broader conversation about the recognition of women athletes and the protocols surrounding presidential invitations. The USA women's hockey team's consistent excellence, contrasted with Trump's seemingly dismissive tone, has underscored ongoing concerns about gender equality in sports.
As the controversy unfolds, both the White House and the USA Women's Hockey team have been approached for comments, but no official statements have been released. The situation continues to develop, with many observers awaiting clarification on the invitations and the teams' responses.
