13
Trump Joke Backlash
Trump's joke about women hockey players backfires
Hilary Knight / Charlie McAvoy / Jack Hughes / Megan Keller / Brady Tkachuk / Megan Rapinoe / Las Vegas, United States / Milan, Italy / Team USA / U.S. women's hockey team / U.S. men's hockey team / 2026 Winter Olympics /

Story Stats

Status
Active
Duration
2 days
Virality
5.0
Articles
69
Political leaning
Neutral

The Breakdown 41

  • In a controversial phone call, Donald Trump made a sexist joke about inviting the U.S. women's hockey team to the White House, suggesting he would face impeachment if he didn’t—prompting widespread backlash.
  • Hilary Knight, the captain of the women’s team, denounced Trump’s remarks as "distasteful," emphasizing that they overshadowed the remarkable achievement of her team, which dominated the Olympics with a 33-2 scoring record.
  • Charlie McAvoy of the men’s team expressed regret for how they responded to the joke, apologizing for any disrespect towards the women’s team and praising their gold medal victory.
  • Jack Hughes faced criticism for laughing at Trump's comment but later clarified that his intent wasn't to diminish the women's team's accomplishments.
  • The incident has sparked a national conversation about gender equality in sports, as many argue that women's achievements continue to be overshadowed by societal attitudes.
  • In a bid to support the women’s team, Flavor Flav launched a GoFundMe campaign, demonstrating community solidarity and a push for fair recognition of women's contributions in athletics.

On The Left 9

  • Left-leaning sources express outrage over Trump's sexist joke, highlighting disappointment and frustration with his disrespect towards women athletes, calling for recognition of their accomplishments and condemning his distasteful remarks.

On The Right 10

  • Right-leaning sources express outrage over liberal criticism of the U.S. men's hockey team, labeling the backlash as unjust, ridiculous, and a blatant attack on American pride following their gold medal victory.

Top Keywords

Hilary Knight / Charlie McAvoy / Jack Hughes / Megan Keller / Brady Tkachuk / Megan Rapinoe / Donald Trump / Aerin Frankel / Las Vegas, United States / Milan, Italy / Team USA / U.S. women's hockey team / U.S. men's hockey team / White House / GoFundMe / 2026 Winter Olympics /

Further Learning

What was Trump's joke about the women's team?

President Trump made a controversial joke suggesting that if he did not invite the U.S. women's hockey team to the White House, he might face impeachment. This comment was made during a congratulatory call to the men’s team after they won the gold medal at the Winter Olympics. The joke was perceived as distasteful and sexist, especially given the women's team's own success in winning gold.

How did the women's team respond to Trump's joke?

The U.S. women's hockey team, led by captain Hilary Knight, described Trump's joke as 'distasteful.' They expressed disappointment but were not surprised by the comment. Knight emphasized that the focus should remain on the women's accomplishments, which included outscoring opponents 33-2 during the Olympics, rather than on Trump's remarks.

What controversies surround the men's team?

The U.S. men's hockey team faced backlash for laughing at Trump's joke during the call. Critics, including players like Jack Hughes and Charlie McAvoy, were accused of showing a lack of respect for the women's team. McAvoy later apologized for the team's reaction, acknowledging that it was inappropriate considering the context of the joke.

Why did Charlie McAvoy apologize?

Charlie McAvoy apologized for the U.S. men's hockey team's reaction to Trump's joke about the women's team. He recognized that their laughter in response to a distasteful comment reflected poorly on them and failed to support their female counterparts. McAvoy's apology aimed to address the criticism and acknowledge the importance of respect in sports.

What impact did the joke have on the teams?

Trump's joke sparked significant discussion about gender dynamics in sports, overshadowing the achievements of both the men's and women's teams. It led to public criticism of the men's team for their reaction and prompted the women's team to assert their accomplishments. The incident highlighted ongoing issues of sexism in sports and the need for greater respect and recognition for women's achievements.

How do gender dynamics play into this story?

The incident underscores persistent gender dynamics in sports, where women's achievements are often overshadowed by men's. Trump's joke, perceived as sexist, reflects societal attitudes that can diminish women's sports. The backlash against the men's team for their response further illustrates the expectation for male athletes to support their female counterparts, fostering a more inclusive environment in sports.

What historical context exists for women's hockey?

Women's hockey has grown significantly over the past few decades, gaining recognition and support, especially with the establishment of professional leagues and international competitions. Historically, women's sports have faced challenges regarding visibility and funding. The success of the U.S. women's hockey team at the Olympics reflects a broader trend of increasing competitiveness and popularity in women's sports.

How has social media reacted to this incident?

Social media reactions to Trump's joke and the men's team's response were varied, with many users expressing outrage and disappointment. Supporters of the women's team rallied online, emphasizing their achievements and condemning the sexist undertones of the joke. The incident sparked discussions about respect for female athletes and the importance of addressing sexism in sports.

What are the implications for future White House visits?

The controversy surrounding Trump's joke may affect future White House visits for sports teams, particularly regarding the invitation process. The women's team indicated uncertainty about attending any celebratory events due to the disrespect shown. This incident may prompt future administrations to consider the dynamics of gender representation and inclusivity when hosting sports teams.

Who is Hilary Knight and her role in this event?

Hilary Knight is the captain of the U.S. women's hockey team and a prominent figure in women's ice hockey. She led her team to a gold medal victory at the Winter Olympics and has been vocal about issues of gender equality in sports. Her response to Trump's joke highlighted her commitment to advocating for women's achievements and addressing sexism in the sport.

What is the significance of the women's team's gold medal win?

The U.S. women's hockey team's gold medal win at the Winter Olympics is significant as it showcases their dominance in the sport, outscoring opponents 33-2. This victory not only highlights their athletic prowess but also serves as a platform for advocating for gender equity in sports. Their success contrasts with the challenges they face, including sexist remarks and the need for greater recognition.

You're all caught up