U.S. Men'S Hockey Team Controversy After Trump'S State Of The Union

On February 25, 2026, the U.S. men's hockey team faced significant backlash following their appearance at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address. The event was marked by Trump's comments praising the team for their Olympic gold medal victory and announcing that goaltender Connor Hellebuyck would receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. However, this moment was overshadowed by controversy, as many fans, particularly of the U.S. women's hockey team, expressed anger over the men's team's proximity to Trump. Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. women's team, criticized Trump's quip about inviting them to the White House as a 'distasteful joke,' emphasizing that it overshadowed the achievements of U.S. athletes at the Milan-Cortina Games. Knight stated, 'It was unfortunate that a “distasteful joke” had overshadowed the achievements of U.S. athletes.' She highlighted the ongoing political tensions while asserting that there is 'respect and support' between the teams.