After defeating Canada in overtime to win the gold medal, the United States women’s hockey team will not be celebrating with President Donald Trump.
Trump offered what came across as a half-hearted invitation to the women’s team while inviting the U.S. men’s team to the White House for the State of the Union address following their gold medal victory over Canada, joking that he would “have to” invite the women’s team, as well.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” Trump told the team.
“I do believe I probably would be impeached,” he joked.
However, it has now become clear that the women’s team will not be attending the White House, as the team has declined the invitation.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” a USA Hockey spokesperson said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
Despite Trump’s joke seemingly at their expense, the spokesperson said that the players were “honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Still, this does not change the outrage that Trump’s joke sparked from hockey fans across the country.
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