02/23/26 04:23:00
Printable Page
02/23 16:21 CST U.S. women's gold medal-winning team declines invitation from
Trump to attend State of Union address
U.S. women's gold medal-winning team declines invitation from Trump to attend
State of Union address
WASHINGTON (AP) --- The U.S. women's hockey gold medal-winning team has
politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend his State
of the Union address on Tuesday.
"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 U.S. women's team said in a statement
released Monday. "Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and
professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to
participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the
acknowledgment."
Trump also invited the U.S. men's gold medal-winning team. Scheduling will be a
challenge as the NHL schedule resumes with five games on Wednesday and the PWHL
resumes on Thursday. Each U.S. hockey team arrived in Miami on Monday.
The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the
status of both teams.
The Olympic tournament featured two thrilling medal finals, both ending in
overtime, with the American women beating Canada 2-1 in the gold medal game on
Thursday. The U.S. men beat Canada on Sunday.
"It's been a whirlwind, it's been amazing. It's a dream of ours, it was such an
amazing way to unite the country," Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. men's team said
after arriving in Miami.
"We felt the support being across the Atlantic and now being back on home soil
we could feel it the second the wheels hit the ground. So excited to be back in
the greatest country in the world and so excited to celebrate."
Tkachuk said it was an honor to hear from Trump after the win. "And so we are
definitely honored to represent him and the millions and millions across the
country."
Vice President JD Vance attended two of the U.S. women's preliminary round wins
with his family over the first week of the Games.
___
AP Winter Olympic: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics
|
