Jack Hughes Stands Firm on White House Visit Amid Political Controversy
Jack Hughes, the 24-year-old star of the Team USA men's hockey team, has spoken out to defend his team's decision to visit the White House after facing significant backlash. The controversy erupted following a video in which President Donald Trump made a joke about the U.S. women's Olympic hockey team during a congratulatory phone call.
Backlash Over Trump's Joke and Hughes' Response
The incident occurred when Trump was congratulating the men's team on their gold medal win at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. He invited them to the State of the Union address and quipped that he would "have to bring the women's team" too, adding that if he did not, he would "probably be impeached." Laughter was heard from players in the room, but many fans expressed outrage online, with some calling for the men's team to reject the White House invitation.
In an interview with the Daily Mail on Monday in Miami, Hughes argued that the situation was being exaggerated. "Everything is so political," he said at the team's victory party. "People are so negative out there and they are just trying to find a reason to put people down and make something out of almost nothing." He noted that the women's hockey team declined the State of the Union invite due to schedule conflicts, stating, "They've got busy schedules, too," in a show of support for his fellow athletes.
Hughes Emphasizes Patriotism and Unity
Hughes, who plays for the New Jersey Devils in the NHL, made it clear that he was proud of the White House visit and did not apologize for it. "We're athletes," he told the Daily Mail. "We're so proud to represent the U.S., and when you get the chance to go to the White House and meet the president, we're proud to be Americans and that's so patriotic." He added, "No matter what your views are, we're super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be a part of that."
He also highlighted the strong bond between the men's and women's teams, saying, "I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them, how proud we are of them and we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us."
Ellen Hughes Stresses National Unity
His mother, Ellen Hughes, a player development consultant for Team USA women's ice hockey, echoed this sentiment in an interview with Today. "At the end of the day, it's just about the country," she said. She explained that both teams are focused on unity, stating, "These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country. And the other things they cannot control. They care about humanity. They care about unity and they care about the country."
Background on Team USA's Olympic Victory
The Team USA men's hockey team secured their gold medal by defeating Canada 2-1 in overtime during the final game on Sunday, clinching the Olympic title in a thrilling match. This victory set the stage for the subsequent events and discussions surrounding the White House visit.
As the debate continues, Hughes' comments underscore a broader theme of sportsmanship and national pride, aiming to shift focus back to athletic achievement and collective support within the hockey community.
