Donald Trump celebrated the US men’s Olympic hockey team for winning the gold against Canada on Sunday. While talking to the players after the game, he made a controversial remark about the women’s team, who also won gold. They declined the White House invitation, sparking debate online.

The U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team — fresh from winning gold — has turned down an invitation to the White House from President Donald Trump. The invite was to attend the State of the Union address in Washington, DC., this week.

After the US men’s hockey team won its gold medal game, President Trump spoke to them by phone. During that call, he made a remark about the women’s team — saying he would have to invite them too.

Trump told the team, “Unbelievable. You were all unbelievable! That team is pretty good you played.”

But while the president praised the men’s team, he made a controversial remark about the women’s team. On Saturday, they beat Canada in the women’s gold medal game, also in overtime.

Donald Trump’s controversial joke about Team USA women’s hockey team amid Olympic win
About the US women’s team, Trump joked, “I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team. You do know that. I do believe I probably would be impeached [if the women’s team wasn’t invited].”

Many people found this comment controversial. Some said it sounded disrespectful. Others thought it was just a joke. Still, the women’s hockey team issued a public statement about the invitation. They said they were grateful for the offer but could not go because of plans already made after the Olympics.

“We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement,” the statement read.

“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 acknowledgment.

US women’s hockey team declines White House invite – sparks debate
It didn’t take long for Team USA’s statement to make headlines online. It spread across social media, where many users quickly shared their opinions. Safe to say, emotions ran high.

“That’s how you do it. These ladies are the real patriots,” one user wrote, praising the women for standing up for themselves.

Another added, “I am so proud of the women’s US hockey team for standing up for what is right and just. They have great backbone and convictions. Trump made a joke about having to invite… If I was them I wouldn’t have gone whether I had time or not.”

A third person jokingly stated, “The idea of spending time w/ him does not have the universal appeal he thinks it does.”

However, everyone didn’t agree. Some fans felt the team should have accepted what they called a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

One social media comment summed up that view: “If the PRESIDENT personally invite’s you to the STATE OF THE UNION then guess what??? YOU GO!”

Another person added, “He was obviously being humorous about the women’s team. Geez people, lighten up! And if the women’s team declines, then that’s their choice.”

A third said, “If you’re grateful like you say you are than YOU GO. I will never watch any of these so called player’s ever again after how badly they have treated President Trump. I won’t forget.”

What do you think of the US women’s team’s decision? Please share your opinion in the comment section.