Hilary Knight, the captain of the U.S. women's ice hockey team, recently criticized former President Donald Trump for making what she deemed a "tasteless joke" that detracted from the team's recent Olympic gold medal victory at the Beijing 2026 Winter Olympics. The comment was brought to light following Trump's invitation to the players to visit the White House after the competition, which Knight felt was overshadowed by his inappropriate humor during the event.

The controversy arose shortly after the U.S. women secured their gold medal, adding to the excitement of their athletes' success. Knight highlighted the importance of recognizing the women’s achievement, stating that comments like Trump's can undermine the recognition they deserve for their hard work and dedication to the sport. Her remarks were made during a discussion on ESPN, where she reiterated the significance of maintaining a positive narrative around women's sports.

Knight's response reflects a broader issue within sports and society, where female athletes often face challenges in receiving equal acknowledgment and respect compared to their male counterparts. By speaking out, Knight aims to call attention not only to the achievements of her team but also to the need for a cultural shift that supports and uplifts women's accomplishments in sports. This situation may ignite further discussions on how media and public figures represent women's sports and their athletes in the future.