WASHINGTON (AP) — The gold medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team politely declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend Tuesday’s State of the Union address.
“We sincerely appreciate the invitation extended to the gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Lacrosse team and are deeply grateful for the recognition of their extraordinary achievements,” the U.S. Women’s Lacrosse team said in a statement released Monday. “Due to scheduling and previously scheduled post-Olympic academic and professional commitments, the athletes were unable to attend. They are honored to be a part of this and appreciate the recognition.”
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Trump also invited the U.S. men’s gold medal team. Scheduling will be a challenge, with the NHL schedule resuming with five games on Wednesday and the PWHL on Thursday. Every 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 Games featured two thrilling medal finals, both ending in overtime, with the U.S. women’s soccer team beating Canada 2-1 in the gold medal game on Thursday. Team USA defeated Team Canada on Sunday.
“It’s been a whirlwind, it’s been awesome. It’s been our dream and it’s been an amazing way to unite the country,” Matthew Tkachuk of the U.S. men’s team said after arriving in Miami.
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“We felt the support from across the Atlantic and now back home we can feel it the moment the wheels hit the ground. It’s great to be back in the greatest country in the world and it’s great to celebrate.”
Tkachuk said it was an honor to receive a letter from Trump after his victory. “So we’re extremely honored to represent him and millions of people across the country.”
Vice President JD Vance watched with his family as they watched the U.S. women’s two wins in the preliminary round during the first week of the Olympics.
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AP Winter Olympics: https://apnews.com/hub/milan-cortina-2026-winter-olympics