Karine Jean-Pierre shares update on Angel Reese & team visiting White House: “We look forward to welcoming LSU Tigers"

The LSU women's basketball team secured its first NCAA championship this season by taking down the Iowa Hawkeyes 102-85 in Sunday's final.

As is tradition from the White House, the championship team is invited to visit and receive congratulations from the president and first lady. There was controversy surrounding it following comments from First Lady Jill Biden, who attended the championship game, after she suggested Iowa should also be invited.

In a recent press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said that the invite has been extended to LSU but said that there was no confirmation that the Tigers would be in attendance.

"The President and the First Lady have expressed how they're looking forward to celebrating the LSU Tigers and also the University of Connecticut, the men's basketball team, the Huskies, right here at the White House," Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

"Continuing a long tradition that we have had here celebrating the championship. So, we look forward to welcoming them, LSU Tigers and also the UConn Huskies."

Will LSU attend the White House?

While Jill Biden attempted to clear the air about how she only wanted to invite both teams to celebrate the most-watched female basketball game in history and further grow the sport, feelings were clearly hurt.

LSU star Angel Reese took to Twitter to let the world know her thoughts that it was "A JOKE" with many suggesting that LSU would not have gotten an invite if Iowa had won the championship.

ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith and a number of other public figures agreed with Reese.

Reese also tweeted that she would rather be visiting the Obamas and hopes to meet up with them soon.

Iowa star Caitlin Clark was humble and understanding of the situation. She praised the impressive play of Angel Reese and the rest of LSU saying they deserve their moment at the White House.

It is still to be seen if LSU will travel to the White House or if Reese and other members pass on the opportunity. While they seem dug in on their opinion, this could change given some time.

A number of championship teams elected to pass on the opportunity to attend the White House under Donald Trump's presidency, but this is not common overall. It is considered a positive experience that athletes are happy to take advantage of and is used to celebrate their athletic success rather than hold political conversations.

Regardless of what the decision is, LSU deserves credit for winning the championship. It is a massive step forward for women’s basketball and with the core of the team set to return next year, the Tigers will have a chance to further their legacy.