The 2026 Winter Olympics were a historic event for the United States (U.S.) hockey teams. Both the men’s and the women’s teams were awarded gold medals, marking the first time in history that Team U.S. ever achieved a double victory in Olympic Hockey. However, what should have been a celebration turned into controversy after a locker room video involving President Donald Trump went viral.
The video was a recording of the U.S. men’s team celebrating after their win in the championship. In the video, Trump had called the team to congratulate them and invite them to the white house. Shortly after, he made a joke, saying that the women’s team would also have to be invited. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. You do know that?” Trump said. He later added, “I do believe I probably would be impeached,” prompting laughter from several players in the locker room.
Once the video went public, reactions among fans were mixed. Some fans criticized the moment, arguing that both the joke and the players’ reactions were dismissive of the accomplishments of the women’s team.
Others felt that the situation had been blown out of proportion. They made the argument that the players were in the middle of celebrating a huge win and most likely did not think much about the comment in that crazy moment.
The overtime hero, Jack Hughes, who scored the game-winning goal for the U.S., downplayed the criticism following the game.
“People are so negative about things,” Hughes said. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support [the Women’s team], how proud we are of them. The same way we feel about them, they feel about us.”
Hughes and the rest of the Men’s hockey team appeared at the “State of the Nation” address on Feb. 24, 2026, where it was announced that goaltender Conor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his 41-save performance. They also had visited the White House and President Trump himself earlier that day after being invited on the call with Trump.
The U.S. Women’s hockey team, on the other hand, declined the invitation to the White House following their gold medal. Although they cited their reasoning to be that they had already made commitments during that time, many believe that Trump’s comments had something to do with their decision.
U.S. Women’s hockey gold medalist Hilary Knight reflected a strong sentiment within her team by calling Trump’s comment a “distasteful joke.” She did, however, share some empathy toward the Men’s team and how they reacted.
“I think the guys were in a tough spot,” Knight said. “So, I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up, overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”