Ellen Hughes Speaks Out on Controversial Trump Phone Call with USA Hockey Teams
A viral video showing the U.S. men's hockey team laughing during a phone call with President Donald Trump has sparked widespread discussion online, prompting a response from Ellen Hughes, mother of team stars Jack and Quinn Hughes. The call occurred after the men's team secured a gold medal victory against Canada, during which President Trump invited them to his State of the Union address.
Trump's Joke and the Social Media Backlash
During the conversation, President Trump made a remark that drew significant attention. "I must tell you, we're going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that," he said, followed by laughter from the room. He added, "If we didn't, I do believe I'd probably be impeached." This comment was perceived by some fans as a joke aimed at the women's team, which had also recently won gold in an overtime thriller against Canada.
The men's players' laughter led many on social media to question whether they were endorsing the remark, fueling debates about support and respect between the teams.
Ellen Hughes' Perspective on Team Unity
On Tuesday, Ellen Hughes addressed the reaction in an interview with TODAY. As a player development consultant for USA women's hockey and mother to two key players on the men's team, she has a unique insider view of both squads. "These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country," she stated. "At the end of the day, it's just about the country."
She emphasized the genuine and strong bond between the teams, noting that they care deeply about unity and humanity. "People that cheered on that don't watch hockey, people that have politics on one side or on the other side, and that's all both the men's team and the women's team care about," Hughes added.
Insider Insights into Team Camaraderie
Hughes provided a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes dynamics that fans often miss. "If you could see what we see from the inside, and the men and women sharing, you know, dorm rooms and halls and flex floors and the camaraderie and the synergy and the way the women cheered on the men and the way the men cheered on the women, that's what it's all about," she explained.
She reiterated that the players focus on what they can control, prioritizing humanity and national pride over external controversies.
Jack and Quinn Hughes Weigh In on the Support Between Teams
Jack Hughes and Quinn Hughes also appeared on TODAY to discuss the situation. Quinn Hughes expressed his appreciation for the women's team, saying, "I'm glad you brought up the women because it was amazing to spend some time with them, too. And then obviously watch them, me and Jack were there, we watched them win the gold medal."
He highlighted the reciprocal support, noting that the women attended their games and vice versa, fostering a special connection. "Just the support back and forth, just to get to know them a little better was special, too," he added.
State of the Union Invitations and Team Responses
The women's team confirmed on Monday that they had been invited to the State of the Union but declined due to "the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments." In contrast, the men's team plans to attend. Quinn Hughes shared, "I don't know how much we're allowed to say, but yes. Yeah, we're excited to go. It's something you don't get to do, I don't know what today is, every Tuesday. But yeah, it's going to be special for us."
He also addressed the social media buzz, stating, "I'm glad you mentioned the women's team again. You know, we're extremely happy for them. Obviously, a lot going on on social media right now surrounding our team and their team. But, you know, in the last couple summers, we did a lot of training with them and got to know a lot of those girls really well."
This incident underscores the complex interplay between sports, politics, and public perception, with Ellen Hughes and her sons advocating for a focus on the positive relationships and shared goals within USA hockey.
