During his annual State of the Union address, U.S. President Donald Trump referred to the USA women's ice hockey team, celebrating their recent Olympic gold medal win. The team's absence from the event was attributed to scheduling issues, and while Trump stated that they would visit the White House in the near future, the team has not confirmed their acceptance of the invitation. In addition, he highlighted the achievements of the men’s hockey team, which also claimed gold at the recent Olympics in Milan-Cortina, and devoted a notable six minutes of his speech to discussing these victories.

Trump’s remarks emphasized a national pride in sports victories, suggesting that the united performance of both women's and men's teams was a testament to the country’s excellence in athletics. He expressed confidence that this winning trend would continue, asserting to the audience that America is experiencing a period of abundant success in sports, stating, "We win so much, we don’t know what to do with it." This rhetoric aligns with his broader messaging that frames winning in sports as reflective of national strength and capability.

The lack of confirmation from the women's team raises questions about the dynamics of political engagement in sports, particularly how athletes navigate invitations from the White House. Trump's comments may serve to rally support from his base, showcasing America’s prominence in international sports competitions while also potentially putting pressure on the team regarding their future attendance. The narrative also connects to ongoing discussions about the visibility and recognition of women's sports and athletes, highlighting the importance of ensuring that their achievements are acknowledged and celebrated on public platforms.