The U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team has publicly responded to a joke made by former President Donald Trump following their gold-medal performance at the Milan Cortina Games. Trump, while congratulating the men’s team on their own win, made a remark about also inviting the women’s team to the White House, suggesting he would face impeachment if he didn’t.
The Context: The women’s team secured a dominant victory, outscoring opponents 33-2 en route to gold. This win, alongside other American successes, made the Milan Cortina Games a landmark event for U.S. athletes. The men’s and women’s hockey teams shared a historic moment by winning gold medals in the same Olympics for the first time in US history.
Team captain Hilary Knight called the joke “distasteful” but emphasized the need to focus on their achievements. “The way women are represented…shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats,” she stated alongside teammates Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka, and Cayla Barnes.
The Fallout: While the men’s team visited the White House and were served McDonald’s, logistical challenges due to a snowstorm initially prevented the women’s team from attending. Trump later announced they would still be invited. Some players, including Jeremy Swayman from the men’s team, expressed regret over how the moment was perceived. Jack Hughes, who scored the winning goal for the men’s team, affirmed mutual respect between both teams.
The Bigger Picture: The incident highlights ongoing challenges in recognizing women’s sports and achievements. Despite the U.S. winning 12 gold medals overall, with women contributing to eight, their accomplishments are often overshadowed or treated as secondary. The women’s hockey team’s success in Milan Cortina underscores the need for consistent support and recognition.
The team is scheduled to return to play for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League, with a potential White House visit in late spring. Knight concluded, “I want the legacy of this team to be remembered,” emphasizing that their performance should be celebrated without distraction.
