Jack Hughes has found himself in the center of a controversy after winning the gold medal in men's hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The 24-year-old men's hockey star, who plays for the New Jersey Devils, scored the game-winning goal in overtime. His golden goal gave the United States the win and their first gold medal in men's hockey since 1980. Hughes and his teammates celebrated in a major way following the victory.
But in the days since, controversy has embroiled the U.S. squad.
The Americans faced heat for their reaction to a joke about the women's team from President Trump. They've also faced some scrutiny for their decision to attend the State of the Union. A petition has been launched, getting roughly 20,000 signatures.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
But amid the controversy, Hughes has issued an official response.
He's standing up for the women's team and making it clear that he isn't getting political with his decision to attend the State of the Union.
"Everything is so political. We're athletes. We're so proud to represent the U.S. and we get the chance to go to the White House, meet the president. You know, we're proud to be Americans," he told the Daily Mail. "No matter what your views are, we're super excited to go."
Hughes added a defense of the women's team, saying that their win was incredible. They aren't attending the State of the Union, but "they've got busy schedules, too."
"Everyone is giving us backlash for all the social media stuff today," the Devils star continued, adding, "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."
Hughes praised the women's team, too.
"I think everyone in that locker room knows how much we support them and how proud we are of them," he made clear, adding, "And we know the same way we feel about them, they feel about us."
Hughes' character has been on display for a while
While Hughes and his teammates are taking some heat, his character has been on display for a while.
He previously came to the defense of NHL teams having Pride Night.
“I think a bunch of the guys on our team, we’re looking forward to that. Obviously, with how we grew up, my family really supports that too,” Hughes said of Pride Night.
“I can’t speak for other teams, but I know in New Jersey that was a night where everyone on our team was really welcoming. It wasn’t even a thought about not doing it.”
Hughes' mom, a women's team coach, is defending their decisions, too.
"These players, both the men and women, can bring so much unity to a group and to a country," Ellen told Today,in part, on Tuesday. "They care about humanity, they care about unity and they care about the country."