Triumphant US Men’s Ice Hockey Champions Fly to DC on Air Force One for Trump’s Historic State of the Union
The U.S. men’s Olympic ice hockey team has made headlines after reportedly boarding an official United States aircraft in Washington, D.C., following their triumphant gold medal victory. Players shared images on social media showing them boarding the plane adorned with their medals, offering a glimpse into their celebratory post-game experience. This trip comes after former President Donald Trump extended an invitation for the team to attend his State of the Union address, suggesting the use of a military plane for their transportation from Miami.
In a congratulatory phone call made shortly after the team’s gold medal win on February 22, Trump reached out to the athletes while they celebrated in the locker room alongside Kash Patel. During the call, he animatedly invited them to the address scheduled for Tuesday, jokingly referencing the necessity of also bringing the women’s team. “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” he remarked, adding with a chuckle, “I do believe I probably would be impeached” if he didn’t extend the invitation.
However, the U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team, which also secured gold at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, chose to decline Trump’s invitation. In a statement released on Monday, the women expressed their gratitude, highlighting their appreciation for the recognition of their accomplishment. “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 statement read.
The decision against attending stemmed from logistical challenges. Many women’s team members were planning to return to North America on a commercial flight that was scheduled to land in Atlanta on Monday evening. In contrast, the men’s team traveled via charter flight to Miami earlier that day, enabling them to participate in the event.
While the warm invitation from Trump certainly celebrated the achievements of both teams, the women’s decision reflects a commitment to their pre-existing obligations, illustrating the complexities that athletes often navigate post-competition. As the celebrations continue for the U.S. hockey squads, their significant victories at the Winter Olympics serve as a reminder of their hard work and dedication to the sport, cherished by fans and officials alike.
As the ice hockey community celebrates these gold medal victories, the men’s team’s appearance in Washington represents a moment of pride and recognition on a grand national stage. The strong performances of both teams have undoubtedly resonated beyond the rink, contributing to an enduring legacy that inspires future generations of athletes.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/donald-trump-sends-air-force-one-for-us-men-s-gold-medal-ice-hockey-team-to-attend-state-of-the-union-11771958730929.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-25 00:42:00
