Trump Says Olympic Women’s Hockey Champions Will Soon Visit White House

The women’s team, who won gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics, declined an earlier invitation from the president, citing scheduling conflicts.

Team USA women's hockey gold-medal winners pose after the medal ceremony after the match between the United States and Canada at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on Feb. 19, 2026. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

President Donald Trump said Team USA women’s gold medal-winning hockey members will soon make their way to Washington, days after declining an earlier invitation from the president.

Trump acknowledged the women’s team during his State of the Union address on Tuesday, where he also celebrated members of the men’s hockey squad, some of whom attended the U.S. Capitol event.

“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.

His remarks come after the women’s team, while expressing gratitude, initially declined Trump’s invitation to his State of the Union address, citing previously made commitments and scheduling conflicts.

“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,” the team said in a statement on Feb. 23.

“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”

In his speech, Trump said he will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to the men’s team goalie Connor Hellebuyck in recognition of his performance during the historic victory against Canada during the 2026 Milan Cortina games—the first Olympic men’s hockey gold for Team USA in 46 years.

“I’ll soon be presenting Connor with our highest civilian honor—it’s been given to many athletes over the years,” the president said.

“When I say many, not too many—like 12. It’s the highest civilian honor in the country—the Presidential Medal of Freedom.”

Hellebuyck, who plays for the NHL Winnipeg Jets, blocked 41 out of 42 shots during the Feb. 23 men’s finals victory, which went into sudden-death overtime.

“I’ve never seen a goaltender play as well as Connor,” Trump said.

The women’s U.S. hockey team also notably beat Canada in a 2-1 overtime victory for the gold medal on Feb. 19 during their Olympic final.

Meanwhile, in a locker room celebration following the men’s win, Trump called to congratulate the team on delivering a “moment the country will remember for decades,” before extending an invitation to visit the White House and U.S. Capitol.

During the same phone call, the president said he would invite the women’s team.

“We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” the president said. “[If not] I do believe I probably would be impeached.”

On Tuesday, 20 of the 25 team members joined Trump in the Oval Office for a meeting before the State of the Union speech.