• The U.S. women's ice hockey team declined an invitation to the State of the Union due to scheduling conflicts.
• The team recently won gold at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, defeating Canada 2-1.
• USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the invitation and recognition of their achievements.
• The men's hockey team has also been invited, but their attendance is still unconfirmed.

The U.S. women's ice hockey team has officially declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming State of the Union address. The decision arises from scheduling conflicts linked to their recent participation in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Games, where they secured gold by defeating Canada with a score of 2-1 in overtime. USA Hockey stated, "Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate," as reported by CBS News and Reuters.

In their statement, USA Hockey expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the extraordinary recognition of their achievement. The players' commitments include travel back to North America and obligations in the professional leagues, with many already in motion before receiving the invite. The women's team coordinator highlighted that they were "honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment," as detailed in India Times and confirmed in Reuters.

In addition to the women's team, the U.S. men's hockey team was also invited to the State of the Union following their own overtime victory against Canada. President Trump reached out to the men’s team via video call, suggesting that “skipping the women would create political trouble,” underscoring the significance of their accomplishments, according to CBS News and India Times.