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In the wake of a historic double gold achievement for both the U.S. men’s and women’s ice hockey teams at the Milan-Cortina Olympics, Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. women’s squad, has voiced her disapproval of comments made by former President Donald Trump. During a celebratory call to the men’s team, Trump jested about needing to invite the women to the White House, a remark Knight described as “overshadowing” the significant milestones achieved by both teams.
The Context of the Comment
Following their gold medal victory over Canada on February 19, 2026, the U.S. men’s hockey team received a congratulatory call from Trump, who was eager to commemorate their triumph. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team,” he quipped. “You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” The light-hearted comment, however, did not sit well with Knight, who felt it detracted from the women’s accomplishments.
Knight, a five-time Olympic medallist, shared her sentiments during a SportsCenter interview, stating, “I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and unfortunately, that is overshadowing a lot of the success… We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room.” She emphasised the importance of recognising the achievements of female athletes and the significance of their contributions to Team USA.
Men’s Team Responds to Backlash
Trump’s remarks have sparked considerable backlash, particularly directed at the men’s team, with critics suggesting they should have addressed the insensitivity of his comments. Jack Hughes, who scored the decisive goal against Canada, defended the camaraderie between the teams. “People are so negative about things,” Hughes expressed on Good Morning America. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support… how proud we are of them [the women’s team].”
Further commenting on the situation, Hughes mentioned that the political nature surrounding sports is often overwhelming, stating, “Everything is so political… when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president… That’s so patriotic.” The men’s team did attend the State of the Union address shortly thereafter, where they were met with a warm reception from both sides of the aisle.
Female Athletes Stand United
Kelly Pannek, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and Knight’s teammate, remarked on the nature of Trump’s comments, stating that she was not surprised by the tone of the phone call. She noted, however, that both teams have consistently supported each other throughout their respective tournaments. “It really was such a special feeling being there, even being able to spend the time with them after their win,” she added.
The U.S. women’s team, despite declining Trump’s invitation to the White House due to prior commitments, remains focused on celebrating their own achievements. Their refusal to attend highlights a commitment to prioritising their own accomplishments and the visibility of women’s sports.
Why it Matters
The ongoing dialogue surrounding Trump’s remarks and the responses from both teams underscores a critical moment in sports, particularly in the realm of gender equality. As female athletes strive for recognition and respect, comments that undermine their achievements can have a detrimental impact on public perception and support. Knight’s response serves as a reminder that while celebrating victories, it is equally important to honour the contributions of all athletes, fostering an environment of inclusivity and respect. As the world watches, it is essential for sports figures to advocate for equity and recognition in the arena, setting an example for future generations.
