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U.S. President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on American Olympian Hunter Hess on Sunday, calling the freestyle skier “a real Loser” after Hess expressed mixed feelings about representing the United States during the current administration’s immigration policies.
The controversy erupted at a press conference in Milan on Friday when reporters asked U.S. athletes about competing for their country amid heightened immigration enforcement actions. Hess responded candidly, saying he had conflicted emotions.
“If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it,” Hess told reporters. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Trump’s response was swift and pointed. “Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it,” the president wrote on his Truth Social platform.
The incident marks the most high-profile example of American Olympians facing backlash for expressing political opinions at the Milan Cortina Games. Several conservative figures joined in criticizing Hess, including social media personality Jake Paul, who wrote on X: “From all true Americans If you don’t want to represent this country go live somewhere else.”
Paul, who boasts 4.4 million followers on the platform, was later photographed sitting beside U.S. Vice President JD Vance at a women’s hockey game in Milan.
Hess wasn’t alone in voicing concerns. Fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis expressed being “heartbroken” about immigration enforcement actions in the United States.
“I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect,” Lillis said. “I hope that when people look at athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America that we’re trying to represent.”
Figure skater Amber Glenn also spoke out, noting that the LGBTQ+ community has faced difficulties during the Trump administration. Following the press conference, Glenn reported receiving “a scary amount of hate / threats for simply using my voice WHEN ASKED about how I feel,” prompting her to limit social media usage for her wellbeing.
The backlash against the athletes has been substantial. Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, actor Rob Schneider, and U.S. Representative Byron Donalds—who has Trump’s endorsement for Florida’s gubernatorial race—joined numerous everyday Americans in directing criticism at the Olympians.
The United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) issued a statement Sunday acknowledging the situation: “The USOPC stands firmly behind Team USA athletes and remains committed to their well-being and safety, both on and off the field of play.” The committee added that it was working to remove abusive content and report credible threats to law enforcement.
The controversy unfolds against a backdrop of eroding international support for the U.S. During the opening ceremony, American athletes received cheers, but Vice President Vance and his wife encountered audible jeers and whistles when shown on stadium screens waving American flags.
In Milan, demonstrations against the local deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have intensified, despite clarifications that these agents are from Homeland Security Investigations—an ICE unit focused on cross-border crimes that regularly assists with security at international events—rather than the Enforcement and Removal Operations division responsible for immigration crackdowns in the U.S.
On Saturday, thousands joined a protest that culminated in clashes with police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. This followed an earlier demonstration where hundreds protested ICE’s presence in Italy.
The political tensions surrounding the Olympics reflect broader divisions within American society and growing international concern about U.S. policies. As the Milan Cortina Games continue, both athletes and officials find themselves navigating a complex political landscape where sporting achievement and national representation have become increasingly intertwined with political discourse.
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8 Comments
It’s disheartening to see Olympians facing such harsh criticism for speaking up about issues they care about. In a democracy, we should celebrate the diversity of views, not try to silence those who don’t toe the party line.
Representing one’s country at the Olympics is a great honor, but it doesn’t mean an athlete has to agree with every policy or action of the government. Kudos to the Olympians who are willing to speak up about issues they care about, even if it’s controversial.
Exactly. Patriotism doesn’t mean blind loyalty. Athletes should be applauded for thoughtfully engaging with the complexities of national identity and politics.
It’s unfortunate that Olympians face backlash for expressing their political views. As public figures, they should be free to share their perspectives without fear of retaliation. While not everyone may agree, open dialogue is important for a healthy democracy.
I agree. Olympians should be able to voice their opinions without being attacked. It’s concerning to see the president lashing out at those who don’t align with his views.
The backlash against these Olympians is troubling. Healthy democracies need to allow for diverse perspectives, even if they challenge the status quo. I hope the athletes stay strong and continue to use their platforms to advocate for what they believe in.
While I understand the desire to keep politics out of sports, these Olympians are citizens first and athletes second. They have a right to express their views, even if others disagree. Attacking them for voicing their opinions is counterproductive.
Well said. Olympians shouldn’t have to check their personal beliefs at the door. Their voices can actually enrich the national conversation, if we’re willing to listen with open minds.