Hilary Knight Calls Trump Joke ‘Distasteful’ After Olympic Gold/ TezzBuzz/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hilary Knight said a joke by President Donald Trump about the U.S. women’s hockey team was “distasteful.” She urged fans to focus instead on the team’s dominant Olympic performance in Milan Cortina. The U.S. women helped power a historic Games, contributing to eight of America’s 12 gold medals.
Hilary Knight Responds to Trump Joke Quick Looks
- Hilary Knight calls Trump’s comment “distasteful and unfortunate”
- U.S. women’s hockey team won gold in dominant fashion
- Trump joked about inviting women’s team to White House
- USA Hockey cites logistics for missed White House visit
- Women contributed to 8 of 12 U.S. gold medals
- Teammates stress mutual respect between men’s and women’s teams
- Knight wants legacy to focus on historic achievement
Deep Look: Hilary Knight Calls Trump Joke ‘Distasteful’ After Olympic Gold
SEATTLE — U.S. women’s hockey captain Hilary Knight wants the spotlight firmly fixed on Olympic excellence rather than political controversy.
Knight, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the most prolific scorer in U.S. women’s hockey Olympic history, addressed remarks made by President Donald Trump following the men’s dramatic overtime gold-medal victory over Canada at the Milan Cortina Games.
Speaking Wednesday at Seattle’s Space Needle alongside fellow Olympians Alex Carpenter, Hannah Bilka and Cayla Barnes ahead of their return to the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) with the Seattle Torrent, Knight described Trump’s comment as “distasteful and unfortunate.”
The president, speaking by phone to the men’s team in their locker room celebration, extended a White House invitation before adding, “We’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that,” followed by a remark that he might face impeachment if he failed to do so.
Knight said she does not want the comment — or the viral reaction video that followed — to overshadow what she called one of the most remarkable performances in U.S. women’s hockey history.
“I just thought the joke was distasteful and unfortunate,” Knight said. “It’s a great teaching point and really shines light on how women should be championed for their amazing feats.”
Historic Olympic Performance
The U.S. women delivered a commanding performance in Milan Cortina, outscoring opponents 33-2 en route to the gold medal. Across all sports, American women played a key role in eight of the nation’s 12 gold medals at the Winter Games.
Knight emphasized that this Olympic team represented the strongest U.S. women’s squad ever assembled.
“This was the best American women’s hockey team we’ve ever put together on the world stage when the lights have been the brightest,” she said. “I want people to remember that legacy.”
The joint success of both the men’s and women’s programs was particularly meaningful. It marked the first time in program history that both teams captured Olympic gold at the same Games — a milestone Knight described as “super special.”
White House Invitation and Scheduling Conflicts
While most members of the men’s team traveled to Washington for a White House visit and attended the State of the Union addressmany of the women’s players were already returning to their professional or collegiate teams.
USA Hockey said it was honored by the invitation but cited logistical hurdles that prevented the women’s team from making the trip. The team had planned to fly into New York but was rerouted through Atlanta due to a snowstorm, disrupting promotional appearances, including a scheduled bell-ringing ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange.
The earliest opportunity for a White House visit would likely come after the PWHL season concludes in late spring.
Players React to Viral Moment
A video clip of the men’s locker room call circulated widely on social mediashowing players laughing during Trump’s remarks. Knight said the clip did not reflect the genuine camaraderie between the two programs.
“The men’s and the women’s team did it together,” she said. “Whatever’s going on should never outshine or minimize their work and our success.”
Kelly Pannek, a forward on the women’s roster, described the moment as “what it is” but emphasized the shared pride between the teams. She noted that spending time together after the men secured their first Olympic gold in 46 years was a meaningful experience.
Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman said the men “should have reacted differently” to the president’s joke but reiterated gratitude for sharing the Olympic stage with the women’s team.
“To share that gold medal with them is something that we’re forever grateful for,” Swayman said.
Jack Hughes, who scored the overtime winner for Team USA, said the moment did not reflect the team’s values.
“You’re in the moment and the president calls. We’re blaring the music. It is what it is,” Hughes said after returning to play with the New Jersey Devils. “We have so much respect for the women’s team. We’re all just proud Americans.”
Refocusing the Narrative
For Knight, the larger story is about achievement, resilience and growth in women’s sports. The Milan Cortina Games marked a defining chapter not only for U.S. women’s hockey but for American women athletes across disciplines.
Rather than dwelling on political commentary, Knight said she hopes the conversation centers on the performance, unity and long-term impact of the team’s success.
“I want to celebrate,” she said. “I want people to be remembered for that.”
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