Hilary Knight Responds to Trump's 'Distasteful' Joke with Strong Words

Hockey star Hilary Knight criticized former President Donald Trump's joke about inviting the US women’s hockey team to the White House, describing it as "distasteful and unfortunate." This reaction follows both the men’s and women’s US teams winning gold at the 2026 Olympics in Milan, Italy.

Trump's Joke and Reaction

During a call with Team USA men's squad, Trump joked about needing to invite the women's team to avoid impeachment, which led to laughter from the men’s team. Knight responded, emphasizing the importance of celebrating women’s achievements instead of addressing others’ behavior.

Focus on Achievements

Knight highlighted the historic nature of both US hockey teams winning gold simultaneously and stressed that their success should not be overshadowed by controversy. She expressed pride in what they accomplished together and urged a narrative that champions their achievements over recent weeks.

Declined Invitation and Team Responses

The women's team declined an invitation to Trump's State of the Union speech, though USA Hockey appreciated the recognition. Meanwhile, Team USA men’s member Jack Hughes noted busy schedules as affecting participation in political events, also commenting on social media backlash.

Several male players opted out of a visit with Trump before his speech, choosing instead to rejoin their NHL teams. Those who attended expressed excitement about visiting the White House but found it unfortunate that such occasions become politicized.