Team USA hockey hero Jack Hughes responded after it was revealed the Team USA women’s hockey team turned down an invitation to attend the State of the Union address.
“They’ve got busy schedules too,” Hughes, 24, told the Daily Mail on Monday, February 23. “Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today.”
The “stuff” Hughes is referring to includes partying with FBI Director Kash Patel in the locker room after Team USA defeated Canada 2-1 in overtime at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Sunday, February 22, after Hughes scored the game-winning goal.
“People are so negative out there and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing,” Hughes continued.
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Hughes said the men’s hockey team’s bond with the women’s team is “so tight.” The American women also took home the gold at the 2026 Games with a 2-1 overtime win over Canada on Thursday, February 19.
“People are so negative about things,” Hughes said. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us.”
Hughes’ comments followed a controversial phone call with President Donald Trump in the locker room after Team USA’s gold medal win, during which Trump, 79, took a perceived dig at the women’s team when he invited the men’s team to a celebration at the White House.
“We have medals for you guys. I must tell you, we‘re going to have to bring the women’s team,” Trump said, which earned hearty laughter from the players huddled around the phone.
Trump added that if he failed to invite the women’s team, “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
Members of the Team USA men’s team are expected to be in attendance at the president’s State of the Union address on Tuesday, February 24.
“We’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night,” Trump told the team over the phone on Sunday. “I can send a military plane or something. But if you would like to [attend], it’s the coolest night.”
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Trump added, “Congratulations, that was an unbelievable game. Everyone that called me said, ‘I’m watching the hockey game.’ I don’t know of anybody who wasn’t. You’re going to be proud of that game for 50 years as you grow older. It was amazing. We love you guys. Congratulations and I hope to see you.”
The White House also extended an invite to attend the State of the Union to Team USA’s women’s hockey, but they declined.
“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,” a USA Hockey spokesperson said in a statement on Monday. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The statement added, “They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
