U.S. women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight is speaking out after a viral phone call between President Donald Trump and the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team sparked backlash online.
Appearing on Good Morning America, Knight called the exchange “distasteful,” saying it highlighted how language about women’s sports still matters.
“I thought the call in itself was distasteful and an awesome learning moment to refocus the narrative,” she said.
What Sparked the Controversy
During a Feb. 22 congratulatory call after the men’s team won gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, Trump joked that he would “have to” invite the women’s team to his State of the Union address too, prompting laughter from players.
The comment drew criticism from fans, especially since the U.S. women had also just won Olympic gold days earlier after defeating Canada in a dramatic overtime final.
Knight scored the tying goal before teammate Megan Keller netted the game-winner, securing the program’s third Olympic gold medal.
White House Visit Uncertain
While the men’s team attended the State of the Union and visited the White House, a spokesperson for USA Hockey said the women declined the invitation due to scheduling conflicts following the Games.
Trump later told Congress the women’s team would visit the White House in the future, but Knight said she has not received confirmation.
“I’m not really sure where that stands,” she said.
Reflecting on Olympic Legacy
After competing in her fifth and final Olympics, Knight described the gold medal victory as “pure joy” and said she hopes her career helped grow women’s hockey.
“I just want to be remembered as an awesome competitor… somebody who moved the needle in the sport,” she said.
The White House has not publicly responded to Knight’s remarks.
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