Donald Trump snubbed by Winter Olympics heroes after joke about women | Other | Sport
The US women’s ice hockey team have declined President Donald Trump’s invitation to celebrate their Winter Olympics gold medal victory at the State of the Union. In Milan and Cortina, it proved a triumphant fortnight for Team USA’s ice hockey squads. Both the men’s and women’s teams faced fierce rivals and neighbours Canada in the final, with the women claiming their gold medals first in Italy. However, following the men’s team securing their title in an equally dramatic fashion, Trump telephoned the squad to congratulate them before offering to “send a military plane” to transport them back across the Atlantic, enabling them to commemorate their achievement at Tuesday evening’s State of the Union event.
The 47th president of the USA, in a somewhat reluctant tone, then indicated he would need to extend the same invitation to the women’s team to avoid getting “impeached”, which prompted laughter from the US men’s ice hockey players. Following negative reaction on social media to the video of the phone conversation, the women’s team have now clarified their position on his invitation.
A USA ice hockey spokesperson stated: “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning US Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. They were honoured to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.
“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.”
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Despite whispers that Trump would attend the final in person, he was a no-show. However, FBI Director Kash Patel not only witnessed the victory but was also spotted enjoying beers and celebrating in the changing room with the players.
It was here that he dialled Trump and put him on speakerphone, allowing the President to extend his personal congratulations. He offered: “I can send a military plane or something. If you would like to, it’s the coolest night. We will do the White House the next day, we will just have some fun, we have medals for you guys.”
He then turned the conversation towards the women’s team, stating: “I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team. I do believe I probably would be impeached.”
Upon hearing this from Trump over the phone, many of the players burst into laughter, sparking outrage among fans on social media.
One social media user expressed their disappointment, writing: “So disappointing to see the US men’s hockey team’s true colours after seeing so many brave athletes stand up to this administration using their platform. Women’s hockey deserves better and the world deserves better.”
Another expressed: “And just like that I am no longer excited they won. How disappointing,” before a third remarked: “Heroes to zeros real quick.”
