Breaking: USA Women’s Hockey Team Rejects Trump as Major New Epstein Arrest Occurs

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Parnas Perspective

Episode: "Breaking: USA Women’s Hockey Team Rejects Trump as Major New Epstein Arrest Occurs"

Host: Aaron Parnas
Date: February 23, 2026

---

Episode Overview

Aaron Parnas dives into two breaking political news stories: the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team’s rejection of Donald Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union, and the dramatic arrest of Peter Mandelson—a former UK Ambassador—in the widening Jeffrey Epstein investigation. He frames these headlines within broader conversations about accountability, misogyny in politics, and public perceptions of American and international leadership.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Team USA Women’s Hockey Rejects Trump's State of the Union Invite

• Announcement: The U.S. Women’s Hockey Team declined President Trump’s invitation to the State of the Union, officially citing "academic and professional commitments."

• The Real Reason: Aaron details that this move was a direct response to Trump’s offhand, dismissive comments implying he was only inviting the team out of obligation.

  • Trump's Comment: During a congratulatory call to the men's hockey 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 would probably be impeached if he did not invite the U.S. women’s team, which also won gold against Canada.” (Aaron quoting Trump, 04:22)

  • The comment provoked “roaring laughter” from the men’s locker room, highlighting the dismissive tone regarding the women’s accomplishments.

• Online and Government Backlash: Aaron emphasizes that Trump’s comments were met with broad outrage, as the women's team has “actually been a more consistent team in the Olympics over the past many years versus the men’s team.” (05:05)

• Women's Team's Poised Statement:

  • “We are grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal, medal-winning U.S. women’s hockey team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.” (03:10, Team USA Women's Hockey Spokesperson, quoted by Aaron)

---

2. Major Arrest in the Epstein Investigation: Peter Mandelson Detained

• Breaking News: Peter Mandelson, former British Ambassador to the U.S., appointed under Keir Starmer, was arrested by UK authorities on charges of misconduct in public office. Aaron notes that this arrest parallels prior charges against Prince Andrew and former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland.

  • “Peter Mendelsohn, the former British Ambassador to the United States of America... has been detained by British authorities today. He now faces criminal charges associated with misconduct or suspicion of misconduct in public office. These are the same criminal charges faced by Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and similar charges to those faced by Thorbjorn Jaglin...” (06:00)

• Comparisons & Frustration Over U.S. Accountability:

  • Aaron addresses the perception that only Europe is prosecuting Epstein associates:

    “A lot of people say, ‘Well, Aaron, we’re not getting accountability... only happening across the pond in Europe, in the UK.’ And I say to that, you're right, that is true. Yet accountability is still to come in the United States of America.” (07:02)

• Personal Commitment & Investigation Updates:

  • Aaron discusses his ongoing reporting: He found documents suggesting that a year after Epstein’s death, the investigation in the U.S. was officially classified as a “murder investigation.”

    “For me, it is [top of mind]. I talk to survivors on a daily basis. I found a document last night that suggested that one year after Epstein died... an assistant United States attorney... called the investigation into his death a, quote, murder investigation. We’re still digging. I’m still going through files. Tens of thousands of files have yet to be gone through and I’m not going to stop.” (07:28)

• Symbolic Accountability:

  • Activists hung a photo of Prince Andrew leaving a UK jail in the Louvre with the caption “He’s sweating now,” punctuating the public’s demand for justice. (08:01)

---

3. Trump’s Response: Attacks on Polls and Growing Backlash

• President’s Reaction to Falling Popularity:

  • Donald Trump bemoans what he calls “fake polls” reporting his approval rating at 40%, claiming that “the real polls” are much higher.

    “I saw one today that I’m at 40%. 40%. I’m not at 40%. I’m at much higher than that. I mean, I’d love to run against anybody. The real polls say you kill everybody...” (Donald Trump, 08:22)

• Aaron’s Commentary:

  • Aaron points out that Trump's combative response to polling reflects discomfort with his unprecedentedly low approval ratings for a president this century.

    “He attacks the fake polls, right? He’s lashing out at the polls... But the polls are what they are, and the American people don’t approve of the president’s work right now.” (09:04)

• State of the Union Boycott:

  • Growing dissatisfaction is leading to “a massive boycott” of the upcoming State of the Union, with Aaron confirming he will cover an alternative "People's State of the Union" event.

    “There is a big boycott. Over a dozen folks are boycotting. I'll be at the Alternative People State of the Union tomorrow for you, so stay tuned for that.” (09:56)

---

4. Media Narrative & Partisan Spin

• Conservative Talking Points Highlighted:
  • A political commentator echoes Republican talking points, focusing on the president’s supposed “accomplishments” and spinning the controversy as typical campaign-season rivalry.

    “This is the message that Republicans are gonna take out to the midterms... They're going to have him on the campaign trail. I’m expecting the president to deliver in a way in which the American people expect him to presidentially...” (Political Commentator, 09:19)

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the bias against the women’s hockey team:

  “The women deserve just as much recognition, if not more actually given the fact that they have been a more consistent team in the Olympics over the past many years versus the men's team.”
  – Aaron Parnas (05:05)

• On accountability in Epstein case:

  “Accountability is going to come to those in the United States of America and I will make sure of it.”
  – Aaron Parnas (07:52)

• On Prince Andrew’s comeuppance:

  “And the caption underneath is, quote, ‘He’s sweating now,’ referring to the fact that previously Andrew joked that he had never been sweating…”
  – Aaron Parnas (08:10)

---

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:11 – Aaron opens with breaking news: Women’s Hockey Team’s snub + Epstein probe arrest.
• 03:10 – Statement from the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team.
• 04:22 – Trump’s “obligated” phone call to men’s hockey team.
• 06:00 – Details on Peter Mandelson’s arrest.
• 07:02 – Discussion on lack of U.S. accountability and ongoing investigations.
• 08:01 – Prince Andrew’s arrest photo hung in the Louvre.
• 08:18 – Trump complains about “fake polls” and approval ratings.
• 09:04 – Aaron analyzes Trump’s defensive response.
• 09:19 – Political commentator summarizes GOP messaging.
• 09:56 – “Massive boycott” of the State of the Union; Aaron previews alternative event.

---

Takeaways

• Misogyny persists in high-level political spaces, as seen by the President’s tone-deaf comments and the dignified response from the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team.
• The Epstein scandal continues to ripple through global power structures, with new arrests and deepening investigations—that, as Aaron promises, are far from finished in the U.S.
• President Trump faces mounting criticism and falling approval, resulting in defensive public statements and political tension ahead of the State of the Union, with boycotts signaling deeper fractures.

---

Aaron’s closing tone is resolute, investigative, and combative—committed to pushing for justice, accountability, and fair recognition for overlooked achievements and victims.

(For full context, listen beginning at 02:11 for breaking news, and 06:00 onward for the Epstein developments.)

Transcript

[Talkspace Host]

This podcast is sponsored by Talkspace.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial]

Last year I went through many different life changes. I needed to take a pause and examine how I was feeling in the inside to better show up for the ones who need me to be my best version of myself.

[Talkspace Host]

When you're navigating life's changes, Talkspace can help. Talkspace is the number one rated online therapy, bringing you professional support from licensed therapists and psychiatry providers that you can access anytime, anywhere.

[Talkspace User/Testimonial]

Living a busy life, navigating a long distance relationship, becoming a first stepfather, Talkspace made all of those journeys possible. I could speak with my therapist in the office. I could speak of my therapist in the comfort of my home. I was never alone.

[Talkspace Host]

Talkspace works with most major insurers and most insured members have a $0 copay. No insurance, no problem. Now get $80 off your first month with promo code SPACE80 when you go to talkspace.com Match with a licensed therapist today at talkspace.com Send us save $80 with code [e-mail] youm are the most

[Grow Therapy Advertiser]

important relationship before you swipe, text or worry about being too much, start with you. Grow Therapy helps you build self worth, set boundaries and show up as your full self. Whether it's your first time in therapy or your 50th, grow makes it easier to find a therapist who fits you, not the other way around. They connect you with thousands of independent licensed therapists across the US offering both virtual and in person sessions, nights and weekends. You can search what matters like insurance, specialty, identity or availability and get started in as little as two days. And if something comes up, you can Cancel up to 24 hours in advance at no cost. There are no subscriptions, no long term commitments. You just pay per session. Grow helps you find therapy on your time, whatever challenges you're facing. Grow Therapy is here to help grow accepts over 100 insurance plans, including Medicaid in some states. Sessions average about $21 with insurance and some pay as little as $0 depending on their plan. Visit Growther Booknow to get started. That's growththerapy.com booknow growtherapy.com booknow availability and coverage vary by state and insurance plan.

[Aaron Dash Parnas]

Have some important midday updates right now. The women's hockey team from the Team usa They have snubbed Donald Trump's request invitation to join the State of the Union address tomorrow night, citing scheduling concerns when in reality, in response to Donald Trump making a misogynistic comment suggesting on the phone with Team USA hockey members, the male team, that he was obligated essentially to invite the women as well or that he would be impeached. At the same time, a massive new arrest has been made in the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein and those connected to him. Peter Mendelsohn, the former UK Ambassador to the United States of America, has been detained by British authorities. Like Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, he is facing charges related to corruption in public office, all while the President of the United States continues to complain about his lower than normal approval ratings, ratings that are the lowest of any president this century. Make sure to like, comment, share and subscribe. The more you like, the more people see this and subscribe to my substack. Click the link below to support my work. Let's jump right into it this afternoon. According to Monica Alba from NBC, the White House did invite the US Women's hockey team to the State of the Union, but a spokesperson says while they were sincerely grateful for the recognition, the players are unable to attend due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments. According to the spokesperson, quote, we are grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal, medal winning U.S. women's hockey team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment. But it does come just one day after we learned that President Trump felt obligated to invite the women's hockey team, not just the male hockey team. He is facing criticism. He called the US Men's hockey team to congratulate them and invite them to the State of the Union address, while insinuating that he also had to invite the USA Women's hockey team out of obligation. In a video of the locker room call that was recorded and posted online, Trump praised the, quote, unbelievable men's hockey team for winning Olympic gold against Canada over the weekend and proceeded to invite them to the annual address in that room. That's also where FBI Director Cash Patel was caught drinking and partying with the U.S. men's team president said he would also invite the team to the White House for a visit, quote, I must tell you we're going to have to bring the women's team. You do know that said with the chuckle provoking roaring laughter from the men's team, adding, quote, I do believe I would probably be impeached if he did not invite the U.S. women's team, which also won gold against Canada. And while that sparked mass outrage online and across the government because the women deserve just as much recognition, if not more actually given the fact that they have been a more consistent team in the Olympics over the past many years versus the men's team. And yet the President was joking or insinuating that he was obligated to invite the women and if he didn't, he would be impeached. And, well, today the women say, no, we're not going to come. At the same time, major new developments overseas across the Atlantic Ocean, where in the United Kingdom this happened today. We can now confirm that the Metropolitan Police are saying that Peter Mandelson has been arrested. Peter Mendelsohn, the former British Ambassador to the United States of America, appointed under Keir Starmer, has been detained by British authorities today. He was led away from home by police earlier today, where he now faces criminal charges associated with misconduct or suspicion of misconduct in public office. These are the same criminal charges faced by Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, and similar charges to those faced by Thorbjorn Jaglin, the former Prime Minister of Norway. A lot of people say, well, Aaron, we're not getting accountability. Or Aaron, accountability is only happening across the pond in Europe, in the uk. And I say to that, you're right, that is true. Yet accountability is still to come in the United States of America. As a journalist, I use my platform to expose the abuses, the wrongdoings, to fight for accountability, to fight for justice. And yeah, some media companies, some folks in the media are just moving away from the Epstein files. It's no longer top of mind from them. For me, it is. I talk to survivors on a daily basis. I found a document last night that suggested that one year after Epstein died in his cell in a facility in New York, ausa, an assistant United States attorney in the Eastern District of New York, called the investigation into his death a, quote, murder investigation. We're still digging. I'm still going through files. Tens of thousands of files have yet to be gone through and I'm not going to stop. Accountability is going to come to those in the United States of America and I will make sure of it. And, well, a lot of people said we need to hang this in the Louvre. That's a picture of Andrew, formerly known as Prince Andrew, in the Louvre. Today, activists put up this photo. The photo, if you don't know where it's from, it's from, that's him in the back of a vehicle leaving a UK jail following his arrest. And it's literally hung in the Louvre. And the caption underneath is, quote, he's sweating now, referring to the fact that previously Andrew joked that he had never been sweating, I guess, or whatnot. So that's real and that's happening. And accountability is coming. It is coming. It just takes a long time. And I get the concern. So you have the U.S. women's hockey team snubbing Donald Trump. You have major arrests in the Epstein files. And. Well, that has all gotten Donald Trump in what seems to be a bit of a tiff today. He is complaining that essentially his approval ratings are just simply not good enough. I want you to take a listen to what he had to say from the White House today while speaking with angel families in the White House.

[Donald Trump]

And I had to go through, and I still do fake stories, fake polls. And I had polls for the election that showed I was going to get swamped and I won in a landslide. They were fake polls because polls are tough. You know, when you get a fake poll, I get them today. I saw one today that I'm at 40%. 40%. I'm not at 40%. I'm at much higher than that. I mean, I'd love to run against anybody. The real polls say you kill everybody. It wouldn't even be close. But you go through the fake polls, you go through the fake stories. And I said, you know, it was good because this is really a much more powerful term than I would have had if I had run, because it was just one of those things. There would be nothing to compare it to.

[Aaron Dash Parnas]

So he attacks the fake polls, right? He's lashing out at the polls and all that. But the polls are what they are, and the American people don't approve of the president's work right now. And, well, as a result, what you're gonna have is you're gonna have a massive boycott of a State of the union 100%.

[Political Commentator]

And that's exactly what President Trump can do, because this is the message that Republicans are gonna take out to the midterms. The notes in which he echoes tonight will be exactly what you hear president, what Republicans say on the stump. And you keep in mind, this is a president that's gonna be out there his own, almost as if he was running for election. They're going to have him on the campaign trail. I'm expecting the president to deliver in a way in which the American people expect him to presidentially and tell them what's in it for them. What has he done over the course of a year? And I can tell you he's accomplished a great deal cleaning up the mess of Joe Biden.

[Aaron Dash Parnas]

That's what they say on Fox News. But there is a big boycott. Over a dozen folks are boycotting I'll be at the Alternative People State of the Union tomorrow for you, so stay tuned for that. I'll be covering all of that. Make sure to like, comment, share and subscribe. If you want to support my work, subscribe to my subset, click the link below or send a Venmo to Aaron Dash Parnas to keep me caffeinated. See you soon for more. Hey folks, thanks so much for watching. Feel free to add this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or anywhere you watch for the latest breaking news and daily hits throughout the day. Make sure to follow subscribe. See you soon for more.

[T Mobile Customer]

I'm gonna pull over and ask that man for directions.

[Aaron Dash Parnas]

Hi there.

[T Mobile Customer]

We're looking to get to the campground.

[T Mobile Representative]

Well, you're gonna take a left at the old oak tree end of this here road. No, I'm just kidding. Let me get my phone out.

[T Mobile Customer]

How are you getting a signal out here?

[T Mobile Representative]

T Mobile and US Cellular decided to merge, so the network out here is huge. We're getting the same great signal as the city and saving a boatload with all the benefits. Oh, and a five year price guarantee. Okay, here's those directions.

[T Mobile Customer]

Actually, can you point us in the direction of a T Mobile store?

[T Mobile Advertiser]

America's best network just got bigger. Switch to T Mobile today and get built in benefits the other guys leave out plus our five year price guarantee. And now T Mobile is available in US Cellular stores. Best Mobile Network Based on analysis by Ookle of speed test intelligence data 2H2025 bigger network the combination of T Mobile's and US cellular network footprints will enhance the T Mobile network's coverage price guarantee on talk, text and data exclusions like taxes and fees apply. See t mobile.com for details.