Hilary Knight Condemns Trump's 'Distasteful' Remark, Urges Focus on Women's Historic Olympic Feats
U.S. women's hockey legend Hilary Knight has publicly criticized what she termed a "distasteful and unfortunate" joke by President Donald Trump regarding the gold-medal-winning American women's Olympic hockey team. However, Knight is determined not to let the controversy overshadow what she describes as a historic performance by American women across all sports at the Milan Cortina Games.
"I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate," Knight stated emphatically during a media appearance at the Seattle Space Needle on Wednesday. She was joined by fellow Olympians Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka, and Cayla Barnes ahead of their return to play for the Seattle Torrent in the Professional Women's Hockey League. "And, I think just the way women are represented, it's a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats."
The Controversial Comments and Their Aftermath
The incident unfolded after the U.S. men's hockey team secured a dramatic overtime victory over Canada for the gold medal on Sunday. In a postgame locker room call on speakerphone, President Trump extended an invitation to the White House to the men's team, then added, "We're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that." He later joked that if he didn't extend the invitation, he would probably be impeached.
While the majority of the men's team flew to Washington on Tuesday, visiting Trump at the White House—where they were served McDonald's—and attending the State of the Union as guests, many women's players were already en route back to their professional or college clubs. USA Hockey cited logistical challenges, including a snowstorm in the Northeast that forced a reroute through Atlanta, as the primary reason the women's team could not immediately join the visit.
Knight's Perspective and Team Unity
Knight, a two-time gold medalist who holds the U.S. Olympic hockey records for most goals (15) and points (33), expressed frustration that a video clip of the moment—showing some players laughing after Trump's comments—gained viral traction and misrepresented the true camaraderie between the men's and women's programs.
"The men's and the women's team did it together," Knight emphasized. "And, that's super special. It's never been done in our program's history. It's something we're extremely proud about. But these women are amazing. And whatever's going on should never outshine or minimize their work and our success on the world stage."
Her sentiments were echoed by teammates. Forward Kelly Pannek acknowledged "the video is what it is" but highlighted the "special feeling" of sharing the historic moment with the men's team, who won the first U.S. Olympic gold in hockey in 46 years. Pannek stressed there is mutual respect and support between the squads.
Men's Team Responds with Regret and Respect
Members of the men's team have since expressed regret over their reaction. Goaltender Jeremy Swayman, back practicing with the Boston Bruins, admitted, "We should have reacted differently" to Trump's remarks. He added, "To share that gold medal with them is something that we're forever grateful for. And now that we're home we get to share that together forever and see the incredible support we have from the USA and share this incredible gold medal."
Jack Hughes, who scored the overtime winner, explained the context, saying, "You're in the moment and the president calls. We're blaring the music. It is what it is." He affirmed, "We have so much respect for the women's team and they have so much respect for us. We are all just proud Americans."
Looking Ahead to a Potential White House Visit
Despite the initial hiccup, a White House official confirmed that the women's team is expected to visit later, stating, "We look forward to hosting them at the White House after their tremendous victory and celebration." The earliest opportunity would likely be in late spring, following the conclusion of the PWHL season.
Celebrating a Historic Olympic Achievement
Knight is adamant that the focus should remain on the extraordinary accomplishments of American women at the Milan Cortina Games. The U.S. secured 12 gold medals, with women contributing to eight of those victories. The women's hockey team dominated opponents, outscoring them 33-2 en route to the gold.
"This was the best American women's hockey team, the best American team we've ever put together on the world stage when the lights have been the brightest ever," Knight declared proudly. "And so, I think everybody felt that going through the tournament. And, I want to celebrate. I want people to be remembered for that. I want the legacy of this team to be remembered."
As the dust settles on the controversy, Knight's message is clear: champion the historic feats of women athletes and let their performance define the legacy, not a fleeting political remark.
