U.S. Men's Hockey Goalie Reflects on Trump Call: 'We Should Have Responded Differently'
In a candid moment, U.S. men’s hockey goaltender Jeremy Swayman shared his thoughts on a recent call with President Donald Trump, revealing a sense of regret regarding the laughter that followed the president's remarks about the women’s team. This admission came during a press conference in Boston on Wednesday.
“We should have reacted differently. We know that,” Swayman stated, addressing the backlash from their response to Trump’s joke. The Boston Bruins player emphasized the pride and respect the men’s team holds for their female counterparts, saying, “We are so excited for the women’s team. To share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for.”
During a celebratory call with the newly crowned Olympic champions, Trump made a light-hearted comment about needing to invite the women’s team to Washington, D.C., alongside the men’s team. “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” he quipped, adding humorously that he might “be impeached” if he didn’t.
The locker room erupted in laughter at his remarks, but the aftermath has led to reflection among players. Jack Hughes, a standout on the men’s team who scored the decisive goal in overtime, commented on Swayman’s remarks. “You’re in the moment,” Hughes explained. “We’re blaring the music. They pause the music, and then the president calls. It is what it is now, but we have so much respect for the women’s team; they have so much respect for us. We’re all just proud Americans and we’re happy that we both swept the Olympics.”
In a notable political gesture, five members of the men’s team opted out of attending Trump’s State of the Union address on Tuesday. The women’s team also declined an invitation to the event, although Trump mentioned during his address that they would be heading to D.C. “soon.”
Hilary Knight, captain of the U.S. women’s team, described Trump’s joke as “distasteful,” yet she highlighted that their victory serves as a “great teaching point” and underscores the importance of championing women for their remarkable achievements.
