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“Women aren’t less than, and their achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are.”
Hilary Knight and Team USA won their third gold medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics. AP Photo/Hassan Ammar
Both the U.S. men’s and women’s hockey teams left the 2026 Winter Olympics at Milano-Cortina with gold medals. Both programs captured their third Olympic gold after defeating Canada in overtime by identical 2-1 scores.
But, in the aftermath of Team USA’s triumph on the ice in Italy, much of the discourse surrounding both teams over the last few days has revolved around President Donald Trump’s joke made at the expense of the women’s hockey team — and the U.S. men’s team’s reaction to the remark.
After the US men’s hockey team bested Canada in overtime via Jack Hughes’ golden goal, video captured in the Americans’ dressing room showed Trump inviting the men’s team to Washington, D.C. for the State of the Union address.
As part of the invitation for the men’s hockey team, Trump made a joke about the women’s team — which won gold on Thursday as part of a record-setting run through the Olympic field.
“I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” Trump said, adding that he’d “probably be impeached” if he didn’t invite the women’s team. Several of the men’s team players were captured laughing at Trump’s comment in a now-viral video.
Team USA captain and former Boston Fleet forward Hilary Knight addressed Trump’s comment and the reaction from the US men’s hockey team on Wednesday during an interview on ESPN’s “SportsCenter.”
“I thought it was sort of a distasteful joke, and unfortunately that is overshadowing a lot of the success, the success of just women at the Olympics carrying for Team USA and having amazing gold medal feats,” Knight said of Trump’s remark.
“We’re just focusing on celebrating the women in our room, the extraordinary efforts, and continue to celebrate three gold medals in program history as well as the double gold for both men’s and women’s at the same time. And really not detract from that with a distasteful joke.”
While the US men’s team met with Trump at the White House on Tuesday before making an appearance at the State of the Union, the US women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to his speech at the US Capitol.
“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,” Team USA said in a statement, per The Athletic. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.”
Trump claimed during his speech on Tuesday that the U.S. women’s team would be visiting with him “soon.” No formal plans have been announced.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Bruins and Team USA goaltender Jeremy Swayman expressed regret over the team’s reaction to Trump’s joke.
“We should have reacted differently. We know that,” Swayman said. “We are so excited for the women’s team. We have so much respect for the women’s team, and to share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for. And now that we’re home, we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support that we have from the USA and sharing this incredible gold medal.”
Knight echoed a similar sentiment about the mutual respect between both teams, albeit noting that US men’s reaction was dissapointing.
“I think there’s a genuine level of support there and respect,” Knight said. “I think that’s being overshadowed by a quick lapse. I think the guys were in a tough spot, so I think it’s a shame this storyline and narrative has kind of blown up and overshadowing that connection and genuine interest in one another and cheering each other on.”
The US women’s hockey team largely dominated in Milan, outscoring opponents, 33-2, and posting five shutout victories en route to a 7-0 record in the international tournament.
Knight, appearing in her final Olympics, scored the game-tying goal against Canada in the final two minutes of regulation — setting the stage for Knight’s former Fleet teammate Megan Keller to net the golden goal in overtime.
For Knight, the discourse over Trump’s comment and the men’s team’s reaction stands as a lesson for many.
“I think it’s a really good learning point, to really focus on how we talk about women, not only in sport but in industry,” Knight said. “Women aren’t less than, and their achievements shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are.”
Conor Ryan is a staff writer covering the Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox for Boston.com, a role he has held since 2023.
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