US women’s hockey team skips State of the Union after gold medal win

The US women’s hockey team has declined an invitation from President Donald Trump to attend the upcoming State of the Union address.

A spokesperson for USA Hockey confirmed the decision in a statement. "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," the spokesperson said. 

"Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate."

"They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment," the spokesperson added.

The invitation followed the team’s gold medal victory over Canada in the Olympic final. The US men’s team also won gold and received an invitation during a phone call with the president.

"I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that," Trump said when extending the invitation.

If he did not invite the women’s team: "I do believe I probably would be impeached," he joked.

It remains unclear whether the men’s team will attend the State of the Union.