Team USA men's hockey player Jack Hughes defends team after their reaction to Trump's 'sexist' joke

USA Men’s ice hockey star, Jack Hughes, has spoken out for the first time after criticism erupted over comments made by the country’s President, Donald Trump, that some labeled 'sexist' toward the US women’s hockey team.

The controversy followed Team USA’s dramatic 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the men’s Winter Olympics final.

Just days earlier, the US women had also defeated Canada 2-1 to claim gold in their own championship game.

Trump's controversial comments about the women's team

Video from the men’s locker room celebration quickly spread online. In the clip, Kash Patel is seen drinking beer while holding up a phone as Trump called to congratulate the team.

During the call, Trump can be heard congratulating the team and inviting them to the White House upon their return, before saying he will be expected to invite the women’s team too.

"I must tell you, we're gonna have to bring the women's team," he said.

"I do believe I probably would be impeached."

Social media's angry reaction

Social media users reacted with an outpouring of anger, with some saying they were 'disgusted' by the President’s remarks and disappointed by what they described as the men’s team’s silence, and subsequent complicity, in response to his 'misogynistic' comments.

Critics also highlighted the women’s program’s long-standing dominance, noting that the team has medaled at every Olympics since women’s hockey was introduced.

The women most recently captured gold at the 2018 Winter Games during Trump’s first term in the Oval Office and were invited to the White House in April 2018 as part of a broader Olympic celebration.

By contrast, this year’s win marked the men’s first Olympic gold since the famed 'Miracle on Ice' at the 1980 Winter Games.

Addressing the backlash, Hughes, who lost one of his front teeth during the historic final, in which he netted the heroic winner, suggested the reaction had been overblown.

“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 said.

He emphasized the close bond between the men’s and women’s squads, adding: “Our relationship with them, over the course of being in the Athletes' Village, I think we are so tight with their group.”

When asked about visiting the White House, Hughes reportedly said: “Yeah, we're excited. Everything is so political. We're athletes.

“We're so proud to represent the US and when you get the chance to go to White House and meet the President, we're proud to be Americans and that's so patriotic.

“No matter what your views are, we're super excited to go to the White House tomorrow and be a part of that.”

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the US women’s hockey team confirmed that both teams were formally invited to attend Trump’s address on Tuesday.

The women declined.

“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,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

“Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games, the athletes are unable to participate.

"They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgement.”

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