Hilary Knight Slams Trump’s White House Invite as ‘Distasteful Joke’
The fallout from the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics is reaching far beyond the ice. The United States women’s hockey team, fresh off their dramatic gold medal win over Canada, has found itself at the center of a political storm. Team captain Hilary Knight didn’t mince words this week, calling President Trump’s invitation to the White House “a distasteful joke.”
The controversy stems from a phone call the President made to the men’s hockey team after their 2-1 overtime victory. In the locker room, Trump joked that if the women’s team wasn’t invited, he “probably would be impeached.” Laughter followed from players and officials present, a moment that quickly went viral online. The women’s team, however, has declined an immediate visit to Washington, citing prior academic and professional commitments.
Knight emphasized that the attention on the political exchange is overshadowing a historic achievement for women in sports. With her last-minute goal in the Olympic final, Knight became the women’s all-time leader in both Olympic goals and points. She stressed that these accomplishments should be celebrated for their own merit, not tangled up in political commentary.
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Even among the men’s team, there is acknowledgment that the reaction in the locker room could have been better. Goalie Jeremy Swayman said, “We should’ve reacted differently,” while noting their deep respect for the women’s team and the shared pride in American hockey. Jack Hughes, who scored the men’s gold-medal-winning goal, echoed that sentiment, framing the moment as about teammates and national pride, not politics.
The public response has extended beyond the rink. Rapper Flavor Flav extended an invitation for the women’s team to celebrate their gold medal in Las Vegas, highlighting the wide recognition and admiration for their achievement. Despite scheduling conflicts, Knight expressed hope for a proper celebration in the near future.
This controversy highlights a broader conversation about how women’s sports are valued and recognized. Knight framed the situation as a learning opportunity: women’s achievements should never be overshadowed and public discourse must reflect genuine respect for their success.
As the dust settles, both teams are back in their professional and collegiate routines, carrying with them Olympic glory and a renewed spotlight on the need for equality in sports recognition. For viewers around the world, this story isn’t just about hockey. It’s about respect, representation and how victories—especially for women—should be celebrated on their own terms.
Stay with us as we continue to track developments, from Team USA’s upcoming celebrations to the ongoing dialogue about women in sports and follow every update as it unfolds.
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