U.S. Men'S Hockey Team Faces Backlash After Trump'S Joke

Following their appearance at President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on February 25, 2026, members of the U.S. men's hockey team expressed regret over their laughter in response to Trump's joke about the women's team. This reaction has intensified the backlash against the men's team, as many view it as dismissive of the women's achievements. Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. women's team, previously criticized Trump's comments as a 'distasteful joke,' highlighting the ongoing political tensions between the teams. Knight noted that the women's team had declined an invitation to the White House due to 'timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.' This context adds to the complexity of the men's team's situation, as they navigate both public perception and their own internal dynamics.