Trump and MAGA Figures Mock Women’s Hockey Team

The U.S. men’s hockey team’s Olympic gold medal celebration quickly became contentious when FBI Director Kash Patel joined the players in the locker room and arranged a congratulatory phone call with former President Donald Trump. Online videos showed Patel celebrating with the team before connecting the president via speakerphone. What started as a victorious moment, marking the United States’ first men’s Olympic hockey gold in decades, soon transformed into a political event. The call, recorded and shared online, faced immediate criticism for having a high-ranking federal official involved in the festivities, as well as for Trump’s subsequent comments about the U.S. women’s hockey team, who had also won gold just days earlier.

During the call, Trump praised the men for their success and offered a prominent invitation. “I just told my people… I said, we’re delivering the State of the Union address on Tuesday night… if you want to, it’s the most exciting night,” Trump mentioned, extending an offer to the team. “We’re in!” some of the hockey players can be heard replying.

“Thank you, Mr. President,” another person called out. The atmosphere in the room was festive and noisy, with athletes cheering and laughing as the president kept talking. The invitation placed the athletes as respected guests at a significant political event, further linking their Olympic success with a politically charged environment.

The mood changed when Trump mentioned the women’s hockey team, who had recently secured their own Olympic gold medal. “What would really be cool, and we’ll do the White House next time, we’ll have some fun, we have medals for you guys.”

And I must inform you, we will have to bring the women’s team, you are aware of that?» Trump said, laughing, as the players joined in. «I believe I would likely be impeached,» Trump stated.

The sound of laughter can be clearly heard in the video at that time, highlighting criticism that the women’s success was being viewed as a joke rather than a legitimate accomplishment.

The online response was immediate and strong. Critics claimed that the comments and the laughter undermined the achievements of the women’s team, who had beaten Canada in a close final to win gold. The video quickly circulated on social media, with critics accusing Trump and the players of showing disrespect toward female athletes.

Advocates argued that the statement was a joke that was misunderstood, yet the appearance of the situation—especially the shared laughter—sparked discussion on gender equality in sports and the political nature of Olympic achievements. The dispute overshadowed what had been a significant moment for American hockey.

Shortly thereafter, USA Hockey announced that the women’s team would not be attending the State of the Union address. In a statement, a representative stated, “Because of the timing and prior academic and professional obligations after the Games, the athletes are unable to take part.”

The statement added, «We are truly thankful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and greatly value the acknowledgment of their remarkable accomplishment». The wording was careful and formal, but it also highlighted the separation between the athletes and the political events happening around them.

The opposition went beyond political spheres. Rapper Flavor Flav publicly proposed a different celebration for the female champions, stating, “If the USA Women’s Hockey team wants a genuine celebration and invitation, I’ll host them in Las Vegas.”

Have some wonderful dinners, performances, and enjoyable moments. I’m certain I can secure a hotel and airline to assist me in this endeavor to genuinely celebrate these women. » Several companies quickly expressed support for the idea, including StubHub, Alaska Air, Resorts World Las Vegas, Ramsay’s Kitchen, Beis, and the Palms Casino Resort, as reported by The Daily Beast.

The episode ultimately showed how an event meant to honor Olympic success instead led to discussion about whether the women’s gold medal received the same recognition and importance as the men’s.