Boston Bruins goaltender Jeremy Swayman is acknowledging that Team USA’s now-viral exchange with President Donald Trump could have been handled with more awareness.
Fresh off a gold medal victory at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy, Swayman reflected on the moment during a press conference on Wednesday, February 25.
“We should have reacted differently,” Swayman admitted when asked about the team’s laughter during Trump’s congratulatory phone call.
The Comment That Sparked Backlash
After Team USA’s dramatic 2–1 overtime win over Canada in the gold medal game on February 22, Trump called to congratulate the players. During the call, he invited the team to the White House and to attend his State of the Union address.
“We have medals for you guys. I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team,” Trump said, as members of the men’s team were heard laughing in the background.
He added that he would “probably be impeached” if he failed to invite the women’s team — a remark that triggered swift criticism online. Many fans interpreted the joke as dismissive toward the women’s team, which had also won gold after defeating Canada 2–1 in overtime.
Clips of the exchange quickly spread across social media, fueling debate over sports, politics, and gender respect.
Swayman Emphasizes Respect for Women’s Team
Swayman, 27, was clear that there was no disrespect intended toward the women’s squad.
“We know that we are so excited for the women’s team, we have so much respect for the women’s team,” he said. “And to share that gold medal with them, it’s something we’re forever grateful for.”
He described the pride of celebrating alongside the women’s team in Italy and called the shared Olympic victories “something I’ll cherish forever.”
Many of the men’s players, he noted, have long-standing connections with members of the women’s team through college hockey and professional leagues.
“Seeing them in the dining hall and sharing the victories together is something I’ll cherish forever,” Swayman added.
White House Visit and State of the Union
The men’s team ultimately attended Trump’s State of the Union address on February 24, where the president publicly recognized both squads. The women’s team declined the invitation, citing scheduling conflicts. Trump later said their White House visit would happen “soon.”
Meanwhile, Olympic hero Jack Hughes, who scored the game-winning goal in the gold medal final, also addressed the controversy.
“You’re in the moment, the president calls,” Hughes said. “We’re blaring the music and then they pause the music and then the president calls. I don’t think … obviously, it is what it is now.”
He emphasized unity between the teams, adding: “We have so much respect for the women’s team. They have so much respect for us. We’re all just proud Americans. We’re happy that we both swept the Olympics.”
A Moment Larger Than Hockey
The episode underscores how quickly celebratory moments can become politicized — especially when they involve high-profile athletes and the president.
For Swayman and his teammates, what began as a championship celebration quickly evolved into a lesson in optics.
Now back home and preparing to return to the NHL season, Swayman says the team remains focused on gratitude — for the gold medal, for the support from fans, and for the shared success of both U.S. hockey teams.
But his acknowledgment is clear: in today’s climate, even a laugh can echo louder than intended.
