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U.S. Men Attend State of the Union After Gold as Women Decline, Locker-Room Video Fuels Fallout

A viral call placed from the men’s locker room by FBI Director Kash Patel has turned the victory tour into a political optics fight.

Overview

  • Members of the men’s team flew from Miami on what appeared to be a U.S. government aircraft to Joint Base Andrews, visited the Oval Office, and attended President Trump’s State of the Union.
  • USA Hockey said the women declined the address invitation because of previously scheduled academic and professional commitments and travel logistics.
  • During the speech, Trump said the women’s team will "soon" visit the White House, though a separate visit has not been confirmed.
  • Video of Trump’s locker-room call—featuring his "impeached" joke and players’ laughter—triggered backlash and partisan reactions, as Jack and Quinn Hughes publicly emphasized their support for the women.
  • FBI Director Kash Patel was in the men’s locker room and placed the call to Trump, drawing scrutiny over optics, and Trump announced a Presidential Medal of Freedom for goalie Connor Hellebuyck.