CNN reporter Elex Michaelson recently spoke with the 2026 U.S. Women’s Hockey Team’s MVP, Caroline Harvey, about their controversial White House invite. Despite asking directly whether the team would visit the President, Harvey appeared unsure.
“President Trump said at the State of the Union that the women’s team is coming to the White House. Is that true? Is there a date for that?” Michaelson asked. To which Harvey responded, “I’m unsure. I’m not sure,”
“Obviously, right now we’re all back with our respective teams… But yeah, I don’t know. I haven’t heard any word on that,” the defender shared. However, after being pestered by the CNN reporter over whether she would like to visit the White House, Harvey dropped a careful statement.
Caroline Harvey noted, “I mean, I’m just busy right now with school, and obviously like you said, we got a championship to win here, and we got a lot of stuff ahead of us. Personally, I need to finish out school and take care of business in that way.”
Her diplomatic response comes after President Donald Trump’s recent phone call to the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team went viral. The drama began after Team USA had a huge moment at the Winter Olympics in Italy, where both the men’s and women’s teams won gold.
While this double win gave the American hockey fans all the more reason to celebrate, Trump seemingly sparked chaos with his phone call with the men’s team. The call was made through FBI Director Kash Patel while the players were in their locker room.
Donald Trump joked about the Olympic women’s hockey team during a phone call with the USA men’s team.
After the men’s team won the gold medal against Canada on Sunday (22 February), FBI director Kash Patel joined the celebrations in their locker room, calling the president to… pic.twitter.com/IhDj8PUkk3
— The Independent (@Independent) February 23, 2026
In the video, Donald Trump congratulated the team on their victory and told them they would be invited to the White House. During the call on February 22, Trump also joked about inviting the women’s team.
“What would really be cool, and we’ll do the White House next time, we’ll just have some fun, we have medals for you guys. And we have to, I must tell you, we’re gonna have to bring the women’s team, you do know that?” the President said.
He further added, “I do believe that I would probably be impeached [if the women’s team was not invited].” Trump could be seen laughing alongside the men’s team, who erupted in giggles and laughter.
As the video went viral on social media, the President’s comment garnered attention,with some people seeing it as a joke and others questioning the tone. The situation further complicated after members of the men’s team visited the White House and attended the State of the Union address on February 24.
unfortunately this is just proof that most men do not view women as equals even on a stage where they earned the exact same thing as them. and arguably did it better.
— bianca (@meiebia) February 23, 2026
During that event, Trump announced he would award the Presidential Medal of Freedom to goalie Connor Hellebuyck for his performance. But what complicated the situation was the absence of the women’s team from the event.
Although they were invited to the White House, the U.S. Women’s Hockey team declined the offer. A spokesperson for USA Hockey confirmed that the invitation was sent but said the team chose not to attend due to “previously scheduled academic and professional commitments.”
Meanwhile, with Caroline Harvey’s response, it seems the women’s team is taking a different approach to the President’s invitation, compared to the men’s team.
