In an Olympic fortnight already packed with drama and triumph, the United States’ dual gold medal sweep in men’s and women’s ice hockey at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games should have been an unalloyed celebration. But a locker room phone call and a controversial joke from President Donald Trump have sparked a heated national conversation, momentarily shifting the spotlight from the athletes’ historic feats to the politics of recognition and respect in sport.
It all started on February 22, when the U.S. men’s hockey team clinched a heart-stopping 2-1 overtime victory against perennial rivals Canada. The win marked the first time in Olympic history that both American hockey teams took home gold in the same Winter Games. Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old New Jersey Devils star, notched the decisive goal, etching his name into U.S. hockey lore and setting off jubilant celebrations in the locker room.
As the men reveled in their achievement, President Trump dialed in via speakerphone, delivering congratulations and extending an invitation to the White House. "I must tell you, we're gonna have to bring the women's team — you do know that," Trump quipped, adding, "If the women’s team wasn’t invited, I probably would be impeached." The comment, delivered with a laugh and met by laughter from some players, was captured on video by FBI Director Kash Patel and quickly went viral across social media platforms.
For many, the moment was just part of the post-game euphoria, but for others—especially members of the women’s team and their supporters—the joke rang hollow. Hilary Knight, captain of the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s squad and now the most decorated American hockey player in Olympic history, didn’t mince words. "I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate, and I think just the way women are represented, it’s a great teaching point to really shine light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats," Knight told ESPN’s SportsCenter on February 26.
Knight’s words echoed across the sports world, sparking a debate about gender, respect, and the recognition of women’s achievements in athletics. The women’s team, which had secured its third all-time Olympic gold just two days before the men’s win—also with a 2-1 overtime thriller against Canada—was invited to Trump’s State of the Union address on February 25. However, citing academic and professional commitments, the team declined the invitation. "Players are back competing with their professional and collegiate teams and are in the midst of their season," a USA Hockey spokesperson explained, adding that a future White House visit would depend on the players’ schedules once their seasons conclude.
While the men’s team appeared at the State of the Union and received six minutes of accolades from the President—including a promise to award goaltender Connor Hellebuyck the Presidential Medal of Freedom—the women’s absence was keenly felt. The men’s team comprises only NHL players, while the women’s roster is a mix of Professional Women’s Hockey League stars and collegiate athletes, making scheduling even trickier.
The locker room laughter at Trump’s impeachment joke drew sharp criticism as the video spread online. Jeremy Swayman, the Boston Bruins goalie and a key figure for Team USA, addressed the backlash head-on. "We should’ve reacted differently," Swayman admitted to reporters. "We are so excited for the women’s team and we have so much respect for the women’s team – to share that gold medal with them is something that we will forever be grateful for." His candor was matched by Jack Hughes, who after his return to the NHL, told the press, "You’re in the moment and the president calls. We’re blaring the music. It is what it is. We have so much respect for the women’s team, and they have so much respect for us. We are all just proud Americans."
Despite the swirl of controversy, both teams have gone out of their way to emphasize the camaraderie and mutual support that defined their Olympic experience. Knight, a five-time Olympian whose late game-tying goal against Canada propelled her team to gold, was quick to point out, "I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect. That’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and is overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on."
Indeed, both Knight and Hughes described late-night celebrations in the Olympic Village, with both squads sharing their victories and forging bonds that transcended the gender divide. "After we won the gold medal, we were in the cafeteria at 3:30 a.m. in the morning with them. We go from there, pack our bags and we’re on the bus," Hughes recounted on Good Morning America, underscoring the closeness between the two teams.
Still, the moment has prompted reflection. Knight sees it as an opportunity for growth—not just for hockey, but for the broader sports world. "This whole situation is a really good learning point, to really focus on how we talk about women, not only in sport but in industry. Women aren’t less than, and their achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are," she told SportsCenter. Her words have resonated, igniting conversations about how female athletes are celebrated—or overlooked—on the world stage.
Knight’s Olympic swan song was nothing short of legendary. With her 15th Olympic goal, she surpassed all other American skaters, male or female, in both goals and points (33) at the Games. The 36-year-old now returns to the PWHL’s Seattle Torrent, set to hit the ice again on February 28. As for the men, Hughes and his NHL compatriots are back with their respective teams, still basking in the glow of Olympic gold, even as they navigate the complexities of fame, politics, and public scrutiny.
The story isn’t over yet. President Trump has promised the women’s team will “soon” make a trip to Washington, though no date has been confirmed. In the meantime, rapper Flavor Flav—Team USA’s unofficial hypeman in Italy—has offered to host the women’s squad for a “real celebration” in Las Vegas. Knight and her teammates remain focused on their professional and academic obligations, but the hope is that a proper celebration, free from controversy, will come in due time.
For now, the double gold remains a testament to the strength, skill, and resilience of American hockey—both men’s and women’s. The athletes’ message is clear: respect, support, and recognition should be the order of the day, not just for one team, but for all who don the Team USA jersey.