U.S. women's hockey team declines White House invite

The U.S. women's hockey team said it cannot accept President Trump's White House invitation because of timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments, USA Hockey said. The men's team accepted an invitation to attend the State of the Union.

The U.S. women's hockey team, which won gold at Milano Cortina 2026, declined an invitation to visit the White House, citing scheduling conflicts and prior commitments. USA Hockey said the athletes had academic and professional obligations following the Games that prevented participation. The men's team accepted an invitation to attend the State of the Union. President Trump spoke to the men's team by speakerphone in the locker room during the Games, and video of the call was posted on X. Key facts: - The U.S. women's team defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime to win gold at Milano Cortina 2026. - USA Hockey said the women were unable to attend a White House visit due to timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments. - The men's team also defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime and accepted an invitation to the State of the Union, set for Tuesday. - President Trump spoke to the men's team via speakerphone through FBI Director Kash Patel in the locker room, with video posted on X. - The NHL season is scheduled to resume Wednesday, the PWHL on Thursday, and the women's NCAA schedule continued during the Olympics. Summary: The decision highlights scheduling pressures athletes face returning from the Games and leaves the White House visit unaccepted at this time. It is not known whether an alternative visit will be arranged. Undetermined at this time.