In Context: What did Trump say about inviting US women's hockey team to the State of the Union?

President Donald Trump called the U.S. men’s hockey team to offer congratulations on their gold medal at the Winter Olympics and invite them to the State of the Union. In a brief chat punctuated by chuckles, Trump said, "We are going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?" The U.S. women’s hockey team also won the gold medal.

Some social media commenters criticized Trump’s comment, saying his comments were sexist. Others said it was a comedy routine or joke. 

The 2026 games marked the first time in Olympic history that both U.S. hockey teams won gold, with both teams beating Canada 2-1. The men had not won since 1980 when the "Miracle on Ice" team defeated the Soviet Union. The women last won gold in 2018.

As FBI Director Kash Patel celebrated in the locker room with the men’s team following their Feb. 22 win, Trump spoke to the team by phone for at least two and a half minutes. Here is what he said about inviting the team to his State of the Union address, with some ellipses representing the places where the audio was unclear:

Trump: "I just told my people two minutes ago, I didn't know they’d be calling, I said, we’re giving the State of the Union speech on Tuesday night. I can send a military plane or something, but if you would like to, it’s the coolest night, it’s the biggest speech."

One player: "We’re in."

Other players repeat, with cheers: "We’re in!" "Yes."

Another player: "Can you pick us up in Miami on Tuesday morning?"

Trump: "We will get Kash (Patel) and we will get the military to get you guys."

One player, as cheers erupt: "Boys are going to the State of Union!"

Trump: "The nice thing about being the president is I can tell you you don't have to worry about the weather or landing. …. We don't care if it's snowing, if it's the worst blizzard …."

"We will do it at the White House — what would really be cool, and we will do the White House the next day. We will just have some fun, we have medals for you guys. And we have to — I must tell you we are going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?"

Trump and the players laughed.

Trump: "I do believe I probably would be impeached, ok? But, anyway, if you can work that out I would be honored to have you all. I’ll introduce you to the whole…."

Patel: "I got it boss I got it."

Trump: "Ok? You got it Kash?"

Patel: "I’m on it. I’m f—ing on it."

Trump: "If Kash is doing it, I’m happy. Congratulations. That was an unbelievable game. … Everybody that called me said ‘I’m watching the hockey game.’ I don't know of anybody that wasn't. And, you’re going to be proud of that game for 50 years as you grow older. It was amazing. We love you guys. Congratulations and I hope to see you, Kash, Tuesday night. I am going to shake hands with everybody, but I’ve got to shake hands with that goalie. See you Tuesday night."

United States' Jack Eichel celebrates after the United States defeated Canada in a men's ice hockey gold medal game between Canada and the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP)

Days earlier, Patel posted a congratulatory message on X to the U.S. women’s hockey team. The White House also posted a Feb. 19 message about the women’s team.

Melissa Katz, a spokesperson for the women’s team, told PolitiFact in a Feb. 23 text message that "both teams were invited to the SOTU by the administration," but the women’s team would be unable to attend because of previously scheduled commitments. 

"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," Katz said.

A spokesperson for the men’s team did not respond to our questions about how many team members will attend Trump’s address. The White House did not respond to our request for comment.

The U.S. Constitution requires that the president deliver a State of the Union speech to Congress as part of his duties. The president and lawmakers typically invite guests whose presence sends a political message in support of or in opposition to the president. 

PolitiFact researcher Caryn Baird contributed to this article.