USA Hockey cited previously scheduled academic and professional commitments following the Games as the reason for the team's absence. "We are sincerely grateful for the invitation... and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement," a spokesperson stated.
President Trump had previously invited the gold medal-winning US men's team to attend the address. During a locker room video call following the men's victory, Trump joked that he would likely be "impeached" if he didn't bring the women's team along.