In a recent interview, Hilary Knight, the captain of the U.S. women’s ice hockey team, voiced her concerns regarding comments made by President Donald Trump following the men’s team’s gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics. Knight described Trump’s quip about needing to invite the women’s team to the White House as “overshadowing” the remarkable achievements of both teams. This interaction occurred during a celebratory call with the men’s team after their gold medal match against Canada, which took place on February 19, 2026.
A Disappointing Joke
During the phone call, Trump jokingly remarked to the men’s team, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” This comment, which sparked laughter among some players, was later met with significant backlash. Knight, a five-time Olympic medallist, expressed her disappointment during an interview on SportsCenter, stating, “I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success.”
Knight highlighted the women’s team’s accomplishments, emphasising that they, too, have made history by achieving three gold medals in Olympic history. She urged that the focus remain on the extraordinary efforts of female athletes at the Olympics rather than detracting from their successes with trivial remarks.
Team Spirit and Mutual Respect
Jack Hughes, who secured the winning goal for the men’s team, addressed the negative narrative surrounding Trump’s comments during an appearance on Good Morning America. He stated, “People are so negative about things. I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support … how proud we are of them [the women’s team]. The same way we feel about them, they feel about us.” Hughes indicated that despite the political undertones of the situation, the athletes share a common bond and mutual respect for each other’s achievements.
In a separate interview, Hughes further defended the camaraderie between the teams, stating, “Everything is so political. We’re athletes, we’re so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president … That’s so patriotic.” The men’s team attended Trump’s State of the Union address shortly after their victory and received a warm reception from Congress.
Women’s Team Declines Invitation
During this period of celebration, the U.S. women’s ice hockey team chose to decline Trump’s invitation to visit the White House, citing scheduling conflicts due to academic and professional commitments. Kelly Pannek, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Knight’s teammate, described the situation surrounding Trump’s call as not unexpected, but added that both teams genuinely celebrated each other’s accomplishments throughout the tournament.
Pannek remarked on the supportive environment shared between the teams, stating, “It really was such a special feeling being there, even being able to spend time with them after their win and the respect that they were showing us.”
Why it Matters
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by female athletes in gaining recognition and respect within their sports. Knight’s response to Trump’s comments highlights the importance of celebrating women’s achievements rather than allowing them to be overshadowed by jokes and political banter. As the conversation around gender equality in sports continues, the focus on mutual support between both men’s and women’s teams can serve as a powerful reminder of the shared dedication to excellence and the spirit of sportsmanship that transcends politics.
