UPDATE: Team USA star Jack Hughes has fiercely defended his men’s hockey team following backlash over their acceptance of an invitation from Donald Trump. This controversy erupted after the men’s team celebrated their 2–1 overtime victory against Canada at the Milan 2026 Olympics, where Hughes scored the winning goal.
During a call with Trump, who joked about needing to invite the women’s team to avoid “impeachment,” tensions rose when the women’s team declined the invitation to join the celebrations in Washington, D.C.. The women’s team expressed gratitude but cited “scheduling and professional commitments” as reasons for their absence.
Speaking to the Daily Mail during a lively celebration in Miami on Monday night, Hughes addressed the criticism: “People are so negative out there… They’re just trying to find a reason to put people down.” He emphasized the strong bond between the men’s and women’s teams, stating, “After we won the gold medal, we were in the cafeteria at 3:30 AM with them.”
Hughes further clarified the situation surrounding Trump’s invitation, saying, “We’re excited. Everything is so political… We’re proud to represent the US.” He reiterated the significance of meeting the president at the White House, highlighting the patriotic feeling among the athletes.
The U.S. women’s hockey team had a stellar performance, clinching gold after Hilary Knight forced overtime with a late equalizer and Megan Keller netted the winning goal. However, the women’s decision to decline the invitation has raised eyebrows. A spokesperson for the team released a statement, saying, “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation… but due to the timing and previously scheduled commitments, the athletes are unable to participate.”
The situation remains tense as fans and commentators weigh in on the implications of the teams’ differing responses to Trump’s invitation. As Hughes and his teammates prepare for their visit to the White House, the spotlight remains on the women’s team and their reasons for not attending.
As this story develops, fans are left wondering about the future dynamics of Team USA and the political landscape surrounding their achievements. Stay tuned for further updates.
