U.S. Women's Hockey Team Declines Trump's State of the Union Invite

Was Trump's invite disrespectful to female athletes or is the women's team showing disrespect for the U.S.?

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U.S. Women's Hockey Team Declines Trump's State of the Union Invite

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Above: The U.S. women's hockey team celebrates the gold medal on Feb. 19, 2026. Image credit: Bruce Bennett/Getty Images

The Spin

Anti-Trump narrative

Regardless of the reasoning presented, the women's hockey team seems to be making a brave statement against the president's double standard when it comes to sports teams. Trump joked about having to invite the women after celebrating the men, revealing his long history of sexism despite administration claims about supporting women's sports.

CALL TO ACTIVISM The New Republic

Pro-Trump narrative

While the men's team cleared their schedules like patriots to appear before the nation, the women's team couldn't be bothered. NHL players also had games to return to and found a way. Declining one of the highest-profile platforms in American civic life — a once-in-a-career moment of national recognition — seems like exactly the wrong move for athletes who want more visibility and investment in women's sports.

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