© Kenny Holston-Pool Photo via Imagn Images
Team USA women’s players are speaking out after the men’s team found themselves at the center of controversy earlier this week.
After winning the gold medal game against Canada, Team USA took a phone call from President Trump while still in the locker room.
During the phone call, Trump joked that he needed to invite the women’s team to the White House alongside the men’s, if not, he would be impeached.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that… I do believe I’d be impeached [if I didn’t],” Trump said.
Trump mocks the gold medal-winning US women’s hockey team:
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached.” pic.twitter.com/t2gFUtemfv
— FactPost (@factpostnews) February 23, 2026
USA women’s hockey gold medalist Hilary Knight spoke with ESPN and defended the men’s hockey team.
“I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,” she said. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”
USA women’s hockey gold medalist @HilaryKnight describes her team’s relationship with the USA men’s team as one with a “genuine level of support and respect” that’s being overshadowed by a “quick lapse.”
“Our achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how… pic.twitter.com/0oDaQwQi9B
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) February 25, 2026
Kelly Pannek also defended the men’s team.
“I think that’s something we all know, being there, what it felt like to have their support throughout the tournament,” Pannek said. “To support them, and how great a moment it was for everyone that was a fan of both teams to come together and say how great it was… It really was such a special feeling being there, even being able to spend the time with them after their win and the respect that they were showing us.”
Jeremy Swayman of the men’s team later admitted that the men should have reacted differently to Trump’s joke.
“We should’ve reacted differently. We’re so excited for the Women’s team and have so much respect for the Women’s team.”
Jeremy Swayman on the reaction to the postgame call with President Trump:
“We should’ve reacted differently. We’re so excited for the Women’s team and have so much respect for the Women’s team.” pic.twitter.com/NLJmk7wlE5
— Evan Marinofsky (@EvanMarinofsky) February 25, 2026