US women’s ice hockey team decline White House invite a day after ‘distasteful’ Trump joke

The US team won the gold medal at the Olympics

The USA enjoyed their best-ever haul of gold medals at a Winter Olympics, earning 12 - with plenty of credit going to both their hockey teams winning gold.

The gold medal matches in both the men's and women's events saw the US face-off against bitter hockey rivals, and favourites, Canada.

In both matches the US came out on top, claiming the gold.

In the aftermath of the men's dramatic overtime winner on the last day of the games, the men's team were filmed on a call with US President Donald Trump, who congratulated the side and invited them to the State of the Union, (like the King's speech but for Americans).

However, while on the call, Trump said: "I must tell you, we’re going to have to bring the women’s team, you do know that."

He added that if he did not invite the women's team, "I do believe I probably would be impeached."

A day after these comments, a spokesperson for USA Hockey said: "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. 

"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."