U.S. President Donald Trump criticized American Olympians who have been vocal about their disagreements with administration policies, suggesting that one athlete should not have participated in the Winter Olympics. This situation is part of a trend where U.S. Olympians competing at the Milan Cortina Games face backlash for expressing their views.
At a news conference, reporters asked U.S. athletes about their feelings representing the country amid the current immigration enforcement actions under the Trump administration. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed mixed emotions, stating that while he doesn’t agree with the situation, he competes in Milan on behalf of those who supported his journey to the Games. Hess emphasized that representing the flag does not mean endorsing everything happening in the U.S.
Following Hess’ comments, criticism came from various quarters, including YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who urged athletes who do not want to represent the country to leave. Trump also weighed in, labeling Hess as a “real Loser” and suggesting that if he doesn’t feel he represents the country, he should not have tried out for the team.
Other athletes, such as freestyle skier Chris Lillis and figure skater Amber Glenn, also expressed discontent with current U.S. policies. They highlighted issues such as the treatment of citizens and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community during the Trump administration.
Conservative figures like Brett Favre, Rob Schneider, and U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, endorsed by Trump, joined the online criticism against the athletes. The athletes received a barrage of negative comments and threats on social media, prompting Glenn to announce a reduction in her social media activity for her well-being.
In response to the mounting abusive messages directed at the athletes, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued a statement emphasizing its support for Team USA athletes and commitment to their safety on and off the field.
Internationally, support for the U.S. has diminished due to the Trump administration’s aggressive foreign policy stance. During the opening ceremony, while Team USA athletes received cheers, there were audible jeers when U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his wife appeared on the screens. In Milan, anti-ICE protests erupted against the deployment of ICE agents, leading to clashes with law enforcement during demonstrations.
