U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams both claimed gold at the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics, marking historic achievements.[1][2] The men’s team ended a 46-year drought with a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada, thanks to Jack Hughes’ dramatic goal. During locker room celebrations, President Donald Trump called via FBI Director Kash Patel, inviting the players to the State of the Union address and joking about including the women’s team to avoid impeachment.
The lighthearted comment drew laughs from the players, but the video went viral and sparked backlash online. Critics accused the men’s team of insensitivity toward their female counterparts. Jack and Quinn Hughes, key players on the gold-medal squad, quickly addressed the controversy, emphasizing team unity.
The historic Olympic gold medals
The U.S. men’s hockey team captured gold for the first time since 1980’s Miracle on Ice, defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime on February 22 in Milan.[3] Jack Hughes, a center for the New Jersey Devils, scored 1:41 into sudden death, securing America’s third men’s Olympic title overall.
This triumph came amid high expectations. Our 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympic hockey roster predictions for USA and Canada had spotlighted Hughes as a pivotal forward, and he delivered.
The women’s team also shone, winning their third gold since the sport’s Olympic debut in 1998. Their preparations included intense rivalries, like the 2025 USA-Canada Rivalry Series, building momentum for Milan.
Both teams shared the Olympic Village, fostering bonds that extended late into the night post-victory.
Celebrations highlighted national pride. Players connected across genders, sharing cafeteria hangs at 3:30 a.m. after the men’s win.
These victories underscored U.S. hockey’s resurgence on the global stage.
Trump’s call and the locker room laughter
With Kash Patel holding the phone, Trump praised the men’s team and extended the State of the Union invite for Tuesday. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” he said, adding he’d face impeachment otherwise.[1]
The players’ laughter was captured on video, which spread rapidly across social media. Backlash ensued, with some labeling it dismissive of women’s accomplishments.
Quinn Hughes later noted training camps where the teams built rapport over summers. The moment was meant as camaraderie, not mockery.
Social media amplified negativity, but insiders described it as typical locker room banter amid euphoria.
Patel’s presence added to the scene, blending sports triumph with political spotlight.
The viral clip overshadowed the golds for some, prompting defenses from players.
Jack Hughes defends the teams’ bond
Outside E11even Miami during Monday’s celebration, Jack Hughes dismissed the criticism. “Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today. People are so negative out there, and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing,” he said.[1]
He highlighted the close ties. “Our relationship with them, over the course of being in the Olympic Village, I think we are so tight with their group.”
On Good Morning America Tuesday, he reiterated support, stressing mutual pride.
Hughes emphasized politics shouldn’t divide athletes. “Everything is so political. We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the U.S.”
His comments aimed to refocus on unity.
The Devils star positioned the backlash as manufactured noise.
Quinn Hughes confirms State of the Union plans
Quinn Hughes, a Minnesota Wild defenseman, confirmed the men’s attendance. “I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, but yes. We’re excited to go. It’s not something you get to do every Tuesday.”
He echoed Jack on the women’s team. “I’m glad you mentioned the women’s team again, we’re extremely happy for them. There’s a lot going on with social media right now… But in the last couple of summers, we did a lot of training with them.”
The brothers’ responses showed alignment.
Attendance symbolizes patriotism for the group.
It contrasts the women’s decline, cited for logistics.
Quinn’s poise helped calm the narrative.
Women’s team politely declines invitation
The U.S. women’s team issued a statement Monday. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation… Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”[1]
They expressed honor at the recognition.
Scheduling post-Olympics proved challenging.
This decision fueled some speculation amid the backlash.
Their gold remains a point of pride.
No further comment on the men’s video.
It highlights differing post-Games paths.
Miami celebrations cap the victory
The men’s team partied deep into the night at E11even Miami, echoing the Panthers’ Stanley Cup bash. Songs like “The Star-Spangled Banner” rang out, with champagne flowing—over $150,000 worth.
Players crowd-surfed amid euphoria.
Jack Hughes spoke proudly there about White House plans. “When you get the chance to go to White House and meet the President, we’re proud to be Americans and that’s so patriotic.”
The vibe was unapologetically celebratory.
It transitioned to D.C. excitement.
Despite online noise, spirits stayed high.
The U.S. hockey teams’ Olympic successes transcend politics, proving deep mutual respect amid triumphs. Jack and Quinn Hughes’ defenses reinforce athlete solidarity, while both squads embody American excellence. As they move forward—men’s team to the White House, women’s to pro commitments—the focus shifts to NHL seasons ahead, carrying Olympic momentum. For more details, see ESPN’s full coverage.[1] And check USA Hockey’s gold recap.[2]
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Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.