The US women's ice hockey team, fresh off their gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics in Italy, has turned down an invitation to visit President Donald Trump. In a statement, the team expressed their sincere gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the recognition of their exceptional achievement. However, they cited prior academic and professional obligations scheduled after the Olympics as the reason for their inability to attend the event at the White House.

This decision comes in the wake of Trump congratulating the men's ice hockey team via a video call during their celebrations after winning against Canada. The interaction highlighted the contrasting approaches of the two teams in dealing with the Trump administration. While the men engaged with the President, the women's team opted to prioritize their commitments over a ceremonial visit, signaling a potentially more contentious relationship with the political climate surrounding their achievement.

The situation reflects a broader trend where athletes use their platforms to make political statements or distance themselves from certain political figures. In light of the declining invitation, the White House has yet to respond officially. The women's team's choice may resonate with various social issues where many athletes are increasingly vocal about their views, further highlighting the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary society.