The US men’s hockey team secured gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan with Jack Hughes’ overtime goal against Canada on Sunday, marking their first triumph since 1980.[1] During locker room celebrations featuring FBI director Kash Patel, President Donald Trump called to invite them to Tuesday’s State of the Union address. His joking remark about also needing to invite the women’s gold medalists or face impeachment drew laughter from the players, sparking viral backlash online.
Jack Hughes and his brother Quinn have pushed back against the criticism, emphasizing the strong bonds between the men’s and women’s teams. The women, who won their third gold since women’s hockey debuted in 1998, declined the invitation citing scheduling conflicts.[2]
Olympic gold medals and historic wins
The US men’s team ended a 46-year drought with a dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada. Jack Hughes, center for the New Jersey Devils, scored 1:41 into OT despite losing two front teeth earlier in the game.[3] The goal sent the Olympic Village into frenzy, with teammates carrying Hughes through the cafeteria at 3:30 a.m.
The women’s team also shone, claiming gold for the third time in Olympic history. Their success built on rigorous preparation, much like the men’s squad.
These victories highlighted American hockey’s resurgence, as detailed in pre-Olympic roster predictions for USA and Canada.
Both teams shared the Olympic Village, fostering camaraderie amid intense competition.
Canada’s loss added to the drama, with stars like Macklin Celebrini facing heartbreak after high hopes, as explored in our coverage of his Olympic journey.
The dual golds positioned US hockey at its pinnacle.
Trump’s call and the locker room moment
With Patel holding the phone, Trump congratulated the men and quipped about the women’s team. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” he said, adding he’d “probably be impeached” otherwise.
Players’ laughter at the comment fueled social media outrage. Critics accused them of disrespecting the women.
The video spread rapidly, amplifying political divides around sports.
Trump’s invitation extended to the State of the Union underscored the event’s prestige.
Patel’s presence as a guest added a layer of Washington insider flavor.
The moment captured unfiltered joy post-victory.
Backlash erupts on social media
Online criticism exploded, with users labeling the laughter insensitive. “People are so negative out there and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down,” Jack Hughes said outside E11EVEN Miami.[2]
Memes and threads dissected the clip, tying it to broader culture wars.
Some defended the players, calling it harmless banter.
The women’s statement gracious: “We are sincerely grateful… Due to the timing and previously scheduled commitments, the athletes are unable to participate.”
Pressure mounted on the men’s team amid the noise.
Hughes noted the negativity overshadowed genuine support.
Hughes brothers defend their teams
Jack Hughes reiterated pride in both squads. “Everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them,” he told ESPN.[2]
On “Good Morning America,” Quinn Hughes, a Minnesota Wild defenseman, echoed this. “We’re extremely happy for them… We did a lot of training with them.”
Jack dismissed politics: “We’re athletes. We’re so proud to represent the U.S… No matter what your views are, we’re super excited.”
The brothers confirmed attending the address: “It’s going to be special for us.”
Their responses highlighted unity over division.
Fans appreciated the candor amid scrutiny.
Celebrations and White House anticipation
Post-gold, the men partied at E11EVEN Miami, site of the Panthers’ Stanley Cup bash. They popped $150,000 in champagne, sang “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and crowd-surfed.
Jack expressed eagerness for the White House: “When you get the chance to go… meet the President, we’re proud to be Americans and that’s so patriotic.”
The women’s decline was logistical, not political.
Both teams’ journeys intertwined in the Village.
Excitement builds for Tuesday’s event.
This saga blends triumph, politics, and team spirit.
The backlash underscores how victories now navigate polarized views, yet Hughes’ words remind us of athletes’ focus: representing country with pride. As the men head to Washington, their story spotlights hockey’s unifying power amid division.[2] What comes next could inspire future Olympians.
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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.