The United States women’s ice hockey team has declined an invitation to attend President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address, according to reports. The decision comes after President Trump joked he would be impeached if he didn’t invite the team.

Invitation and Response

NBC News reported on Monday that the team released a statement explaining their inability to participate in the address. The statement expressed gratitude for the invitation and acknowledged the recognition of their gold medal achievement.

“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning US Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,”

US Women’s Hockey Team Statement

The team cited previously scheduled academic and professional commitments as the reason for their inability to attend.

President Trump’s Invitation

Both Republican and Democratic parties traditionally invite guests to the President’s annual address to Congress. President Trump extended an invitation to the U.S. Men’s hockey team following their gold medal win on Sunday.

The U.S. Women’s team secured their first gold medal since 2018 with a 2-1 victory over Canada on Thursday.

During a video call with the men’s team, President Trump invited them to the State of the Union, then added, We’re gonna have to bring the women’s team, you do know that, prompting laughter from the players. He then joked, I do believe I would probably be impeached, OK?.

The men’s team reportedly responded with cheers, stating, We’re in..