WASHINGTON (TNND) — The U.S. women’s gold medal–winning hockey team declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State of the Union address, citing scheduling conflicts.
“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,” the team said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
A spokesperson added that the team was honored to be included and grateful for the acknowledgment.
Trump also invited the men’s team to the State of the Union during a Sunday night call that included FBI Director Kash Patel. The invitation came after their gold medal win at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
During the call, Trump joked that he would be impeached if he didn’t also invite the women’s team.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump said. “I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
Patel joked that he would drive the team to the address and was “on it” as players thanked the president.
Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal while smiling without two front teeth, defended the women’s team for declining the invitation.
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“They’ve got busy schedules, too,” Hughes told reporters. “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.”
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