Some Team USA players admit mistake after Donald Trump’s joke about women’s team

Team USA’s dramatic gold medal win over Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics was supposed to be a unifying moment.

Instead, part of the celebration has sparked an ongoing conversation.

Following their overtime victory as Team USA’s first Olympic men’s hockey gold since the “Miracle on Ice” in 1980, the players received a congratulatory call and White House invitation from President Donald Trump inside the locker room. During that call, a remark about the U.S. women’s hockey team drew criticism, particularly after laughter could be heard in the room.

As players returned to their NHL clubs this week, several were asked directly about the moment and their reaction.

Toronto Maple Leafs captain Auston Matthews, who also captained Team USA, acknowledged the situation.

“Yeah, it was unfortunate,” Matthews said. “We love the women’s team; we support them… It’s unfortunate that kind of occurred. We have nothing but love and respect for the women’s team and what they were able to accomplish.”

Matthews added that both programs bringing home gold should be the focus. “We’re extremely proud of them and happy for them. We support them 100%.”

Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman went even further.

“We should’ve reacted differently,” Swayman said. “We’re so excited for the Women’s team and have so much respect for the Women’s team.”

U.S. women’s captain Hilary Knight later described the relationship between the two teams as one built on “genuine support and respect,” while adding that their achievements “shouldn’t be overshadowed by anything else other than how great they are.”

Insider Michael Russo said he attended Minnesota Frost practice and talked to four of the gold medalists (Heise, Pannek, Curl, Zumwinkle) and all of them echoed this. Heise said they’ve received public and private apologies too from men’s players.

Of the 25 American players in Italy, five, Brock Nelson, Jackson LaCombe, Jake Guentzel, Jake Oettinger, and Kyle Connorl, did not attend the White House visit.

What was meant to be a celebration of gold has evolved into reflection, but for many involved, they want to make sure that respect for the women’s team comes first.