Trump’s ‘distasteful’ joke that sparked fury among US Olympic hockey team

26 Feb 2026 • 7:01 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Donald Trump made a "distasteful" joke about being forced to invite the U.S. women’s hockey team to Washington, D.C., after they won an Olympic gold medal.
  • Trump's remarks, made during a call to the men's team, suggested he would face impeachment if he did not extend the invitation to the women's team, who also secured gold.
  • Members of the women's team, including captain Hilary Knight, expressed disappointment, stating the joke overshadowed their achievements and highlighted how women are discussed in sport and industry.
  • While the men's team visited the White House, the women's team initially declined a State of the Union offer due to prior commitments, though Trump later stated they would visit "soon."
  • One men's team member, Jeremy Swayman, expressed regret over their reaction to Trump's joke, while rapper Flavor Flav extended an alternative invitation for the women's team to celebrate in Las Vegas.

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