US Olympic Hockey Teams Decline Trump’s State of the Union Invite

The U.S. Women’s team secured their third Olympic gold medal last Thursday, triumphing over Canada in a thrilling final.

The decision by the U.S. Women’s hockey team reflects a growing trend of athletes declining invitations to the White House, often due to political disagreements or scheduling conflicts. The team stated they were “honored to be included” but that existing academic and professional commitments made attendance impossible. They were notified of the invitation late, further complicating travel arrangements.

This isn’t an isolated incident. Athletes have previously declined White House invitations for various reasons. In the past, athletes have cited political disagreements as a reason for declining.

Beyond political considerations, the timing of such invitations often presents practical difficulties. The U.S. Men’s hockey team, similarly invited by President Trump after their gold medal win, faces similar challenges with the resumption of the NHL season. Players have commitments to their professional teams, making immediate travel and attendance difficult.

Several members of the U.S. Women’s hockey team are currently enrolled in NCAA programs, and others participate in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which resumes play shortly. These existing commitments further contribute to the logistical challenges of attending the State of the Union address.

The increasing frequency of athletes declining White House invitations suggests a potential shift in the dynamic between sports and politics. Future administrations may necessitate to be more mindful of athletes’ schedules and potential political sensitivities when extending invitations.

The trend also highlights the growing platform athletes have to express their values and beliefs, and their willingness to prioritize those beliefs even when it means declining traditional honors.