President Donald Trump faced a setback after a championship-winning U.S. sports team declined his invitation to a major political address. The development comes shortly after both national squads secured high-profile victories on the international stage.
US Women’s Hockey team declines State of Union invitation
The U.S. women’s hockey team declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend the State of the Union address. The team made the decision after winning the gold medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
In a statement, a USA Hockey spokesperson said, “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 spokesperson stated that, “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate” (via NBC News).
The spokesperson further said the athletes “were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.” The White House has not yet responded to the team’s decision. The women’s team secured gold by defeating Canada in Thursday’s Olympic final.
President Donald Trump issued the invitation after both national teams won gold medals in overtime against Canada. He called the men’s team Sunday night after their victory. During the call, he invited them to attend the State of the Union address. The men’s team has not said whether it will attend.
While speaking with the men’s team, Trump said, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that.” He also said, “If he did not invite the women’s team, ‘I do believe I probably would be impeached,'” he joked.”
The men’s team captured its gold medal on Sunday with a victory over Canada. USA Hockey said the women’s team declined the invitation because the athletes have academic and professional commitments after the Games.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.com.
