U.S. Olympic Hockey Star Addresses Trump’s Snub of Women’s Team

Jack Hughes, the standout player who netted the decisive goal against Canada in the Winter Olympics hockey final, sought to quell the backlash directed at both the U.S. women's hockey team and President Donald Trump following their recent exchange.

“Everything is so political,” Hughes remarked during a victory celebration in Miami, as reported by a tabloid.

The women’s team declined Trump’s invitation to join the men at the State of the Union address and visit the White House, citing scheduling conflicts in a carefully worded statement from USA Hockey.

“They’ve got busy schedules, too,” Hughes noted. “Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today. People are so negative out there, and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing.”

Earlier, the women’s squad had also triumphed over Canada in a thrilling overtime match in Milan, yet Trump’s congratulatory call to the men’s team included a dismissive remark about the women’s achievements.

“And we have to — I must tell you — we’re going to have to bring the women’s team,” Trump said, eliciting laughter from the players. “If I don’t do that, I do believe I probably would be impeached, OK?”

USA Hockey issued a statement on behalf of the women’s team, expressing gratitude for the recognition of their remarkable accomplishment.

However, Trump’s flippant comments and the players’ reactions sparked criticism online, with some calling for the U.S. men’s team to decline any White House invitation.

Hughes maintained that relations between the men’s and women’s teams remain strong.

“I think we are so tight with their group,” he stated. “After we won the gold medal, we were in the cafeteria at 3:30 a.m. with them, and we go from there, pack our bags and we’re on the bus.”

“People are so negative about things,” he added. “I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us.”

Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL, expressed no regrets about meeting with Trump.

“We’re athletes,” he said. “We’re so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, we’re proud to be Americans and that’s so patriotic.”