During his State of the Union address, President Donald Trump said the gold medal–winning U.S. women’s ice hockey team would “soon” visit the White House to recognize their victory in Italy.

But the question remains: will they actually make the trip?

“I can send a military plane or something”
It was a remarkable run for the U.S. hockey programs in Milan and Cortina.

Both the men’s and women’s teams faced longtime rivals Canada in high-stakes matchups. The women earned gold first, followed by the men, giving Team USA a double-gold celebration.

After the men’s win, FBI Director Kash Patel was seen celebrating with players in the locker room, and President Donald Trump called to congratulate the team. During the call, he also offered to help with travel back home.

“I can send a military plane or something,” Trump said.

“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.”

During the same call, Trump also mentioned that the women’s team would need to be invited as well.

“I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team,” he said.

“I do believe I probably would be impeached.”

While some of the men on the call laughed, the clip circulating online drew criticism from many viewers. Fans reacted strongly to the remark.

Didn’t accept Trump’s invitation
One person wrote:

“So disappointing to see the U.S. men’s hockey team’s reactions after seeing so many athletes speak out publicly about politics. Women’s hockey deserves better and the world deserves better.”

The Olympic gold medal–winning U.S. men’s hockey team visited President Donald Trump at the White House on Tuesday afternoon and later received a roughly two-minute bipartisan standing ovation during his State of the Union address that evening.

“I recognize every one of you. I know every one of you,” Trump said as the players entered the Oval Office.

“I want to thank you all,” Trump told the players. “What a special job you did. What special champions you are.”

Trump also announced that goalie Connor Hellebuyck — who made 41 saves in the gold medal game — will receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the country’s highest civilian honor. Hellebuyck placed his hand over his heart as the chamber responded with applause.

While the men’s team attended and appeared relaxed during the events in Washington, D.C., the women’s team chose not to accept Trump’s invitation at that time.

Amid growing attention, a USA Hockey spokesperson explained the women’s team’s decision.

“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment. Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”

But there may still be another opportunity for the women’s team to visit the White House.

During his State of the Union address, Trump said the gold medal–winning U.S. women’s ice hockey team will “soon” make the trip to celebrate their victory in Milan.

“They beat a fantastic Canadian team in overtime as everybody saw, as did the American women who will soon be coming to the White House,” Trump said as the men’s hockey team was recognized in the House chamber.

It remains unclear whether the women’s team has accepted a future invitation.

Wasn’t fazed by Trump’s remarks
While the moment sparked debate on social media, Ellen Hughes — a player development consultant for Team USA women’s ice hockey — said she was not focused on the controversy.

“These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country,” she told Today. “People that cheered on that don’t watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or the other side — and that’s all both the men’s team and the women’s team care about.”

She also emphasized the strong “synergy” between the men’s and women’s teams.

“If you could see what we see from the inside — the men and women sharing dorm rooms and halls and training spaces — and the camaraderie and the synergy, and the way the women cheered on the men and the way the men cheered on the women — that’s what it’s all about,” she added.

“And the other things they cannot control. They care about humanity. They care about unity, and they care about the country.”

The United States finished the 2026 Winter Olympics with 33 medals, including 12 golds — the most Winter Games gold medals in the country’s history — and placed second in both total medals and gold medals behind Norway.