Jack Hughes Addresses ‘Backlash’ After Men’s Hockey Team Accepts Trump’s White House Invite

Jack Hughes recently spoke about accepting an invitation to visit the White House after Team USA’s dramatic 2-1 victory over Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The 24-year-old hockey star addressed the criticism he and his teammates received after President Donald Trump personally called the team in their locker room to congratulate them and invite them to Washington, D.C. Following their gold medal win, Trump invited the players to attend the State of the Union address and participate in a White House celebration.

When asked about the visit, Hughes said the team is looking forward to the opportunity.

“Everything becomes political,” Hughes explained. “We’re athletes. We’re proud to represent the United States, and getting the chance to visit the White House and meet the president is exciting. No matter what people’s views are, we’re proud to be Americans.”

Hughes, who scored the decisive goal that secured Team USA’s first Olympic men’s hockey gold medal since the historic 1980 “Miracle on Ice,” emphasized that the team’s decision was based on pride rather than politics.

He also commented on the U.S. women’s hockey team’s decision not to attend. Hughes noted that their absence was understandable, pointing out that many players had prior academic and professional commitments after the Games.

“They’ve got busy schedules too,” he said.

Hughes acknowledged the negative reactions circulating online, suggesting that much of the criticism was exaggerated.

“People can be very negative,” he added. “Sometimes it feels like others are just looking for reasons to create controversy out of almost nothing.”

Despite the discussions, Hughes made it clear that the men’s team fully supports the women’s team.

“Everyone in our locker room knows how much we respect them and how proud we are of them,” he said. “And we know they feel the same way about us.”

Jack’s older brother, Quinn Hughes, also addressed the situation. He expressed excitement about the White House visit while emphasizing the strong relationship between the men’s and women’s teams.

“We’re excited to go. It’s a unique opportunity,” Quinn said. “We’ve trained with the women’s team and built real friendships. We’re incredibly happy for their success as well.”

Their mother, Ellen Hughes, shared a broader perspective, highlighting how athletes can help unite people.

“These players, both men and women, have the ability to bring unity to a group and even a country,” she said. “They care about teamwork, unity, and representing the nation.”

After their gold medal victory, the U.S. women’s hockey team declined the invitation to travel to Washington. USA Hockey explained that the players had scheduling conflicts due to previously arranged academic and professional obligations.

Meanwhile, President Trump’s post-game phone call with the men’s team drew significant attention online. In the call, he praised their performance and extended invitations to both the State of the Union and the White House celebration.

The celebrations also sparked conversation when FBI Director Kash Patel was seen joining the team in the locker room. Patel later defended his participation, stating that he was honored to celebrate with the athletes.

USA Hockey reiterated that the women’s team appreciated the recognition but was unable to attend due to prior commitments.