The US women’s ice hockey team have rejected President Donald Trump’s offer to celebrate their Winter Olympic gold medal victory at the State of the Union on Tuesday night
The US women’s ice hockey team have turned down President Donald Trump’s invitation to celebrate their Winter Olympics gold medal victory at the State of the Union.
In Milan and Cortina, it was a golden fortnight for Team USA’s ice hockey squad. Both the men’s and women’s teams faced off against fierce rivals and neighbours Canada, with the women clinching their golden gongs first in Italy.
However, after the men’s team secured their title in an equally thrilling manner, Trump called the team to congratulate them before offering to “send a military plane” to bring them back across the Atlantic, so they could celebrate their success at Tuesday night’s State of the Union event.
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The 47th president of the USA, in a reluctant tone, then said he would have to extend the same invite to the women’s team to avoid getting “impeached”, which caused laughter from the US men’s ice hockey stars. After the video of the phone call was poorly received on social media, the women’s team have now clarified their position on his invite.
A USA ice hockey spokesperson said: “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. They were honoured to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.
“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate,” reports the Mirror.
There were whispers that Trump might personally attend the final, but he was a no-show. However, FBI Director Kash Patel not only witnessed the victory but was also spotted enjoying beers and celebrating in the changing room with the players.
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It was there he rang Trump and put him on speakerphone so the president could extend his personal congratulations. He said: “I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to, it’s the coolest night.
“We will do the White House the next day, we will just have some fun, we have medals for you guys.” He then began discussing the women’s team, adding: “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team. I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
When Trump made this comment over the phone, most of the players burst into laughter, sparking outrage among fans on social media.
One social media user wrote: “So disappointing to see the US men’s hockey team’s true colours after seeing so many brave athletes stand up to this administration using their platform. Women’s hockey deserves better and the world deserves better.”
Another chimed in: “And just like that I am no longer excited they won. How disappointing,” before a third remarked: “Heroes to zeros real quick.”