Fresh off a historic gold medal victory in Milan, members of the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team are set to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address Tuesday night, adding another celebratory moment to what has already been a milestone week for the team.
Appearing Tuesday morning on ABC’s Good Morning America, gold medal-winning brothers Jack and Quinn Hughes reflected on their championship win over Canada on Sunday and the whirlwind of events that followed. During the interview, co-host George Stephanopoulos asked whether the men’s team would attend the president’s address, noting that the U.S. women’s hockey team had declined its invitation.
“Quinn, Jack mentioned the celebration you had with the women’s hockey team,” Stephanopoulos said. “They said they’re not going to be able to go to the State of the Union tonight. Will you guys be going?”
Quinn Hughes responded carefully but confirmed their plans. “I don’t know how much I’m allowed to say, but yes,” he said. “Yeah, we’re excited to go. I mean, it’s something you don’t get to do — I don’t know what day it is — every Tuesday. But it’s gonna be special for us.”
The men’s appearance at the State of the Union comes just days after their dramatic victory over Canada in Italy, a win that secured Olympic gold and marked a significant achievement for U.S. hockey on the world stage. The team’s celebration reportedly included time spent with the U.S. women’s hockey team, which also captured gold in Milan.
However, the women’s team will not be attending the president’s address. In a statement to NBC News, a spokesperson explained that scheduling conflicts prevented their participation.
“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the spokesperson said. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
President Trump had personally congratulated the men’s team during a phone call following their Sunday victory. During that conversation, he joked about the need to invite the women’s team as well.
“And we have to, I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team,” Trump said, drawing laughter from the players. He then added with a grin, “I do believe I would probably be impeached.”
The lighthearted exchange underscored the celebratory tone surrounding the teams’ accomplishments. For the men’s squad, attending the State of the Union marks another once-in-a-lifetime experience in an already unforgettable Olympic run.
With gold medals in hand and national recognition pouring in, the Hughes brothers and their teammates are stepping from the ice rink into the halls of Congress — a testament to both their athletic success and the pride their victory has sparked across the country.
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