The USA’s men’s hockey team has been recently faced with backlash after a phone call between the team and President Trump was released about the women’s hockey team. This controversy is happening right after the team won their first gold medal at a winter olympics since 1980.
As the team celebrated their big win in the locker room, President Trump called the team inviting them to visit the White House for the president’s annual State of the Union address. The President then made a comment about the women’s team saying “You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached [If the women’s team wasn’t invited]” after the team won their third olympic gold medal, according to People.
“Although I know now that the women’s team was not able to accept the invitation for logistical reasons, when I initially saw the men’s team at the address, my first thought was ‘oh, where’s the women’s team?’” junior Arria Shimizu said. “Then to see the video of the phone call—Mr. Patel holding the phone and the “humorous” comment about having to invite the women’s team, was quite off-putting, to put it one way.”
As a result, the women’s hockey team declined the offer to attend. Five players of the men’s team decided not to attend the State of the Union address after many commented that the interaction was a diss towards the women’s team, according to People.
“I thought the comment made regarding the women’s hockey team was out of line,” junior Alexandra Herrmann said. “Regardless of political views, any athlete who represents our country is deserving of respect, and the current situation is diminishing their achievements. In my opinion, what was said does not reflect the support our nation’s teams should receive.”
Players of the team have reacted to the backlash, including Goalie Jeremy Swayman. He stated in an interview that he and his teammates should not have reacted the way that they should and have respect for the women’s teams and are grateful for the chance to share this moment with them, according to Yahoo Sports.
During his State of the Union address, President Trump acknowledged the women’s team and stated that he plans to celebrate with the team at a future date. A representative from the team stated that this opportunity will be scheduled off of the team’s schedule once the season is over,
“ I believe that the men’s team deserves the recognition for their success and hard work, because they do,” Shimizu said. “I believe that the other USA gold medalists and medalists deserve that recognition as well.”
