A significant divide has emerged surrounding statements made by Team USA athletes at the Milano Cortina Winter Games, drawing sharp criticism from former President Donald Trump. Athletes, including freestyle skier Hunter Hess, figure skater Amber Glenn, and freestyle skier Chris Lillis, have voiced "mixed emotions" and concerns regarding the current political climate in the United States. These public expressions have been met with backlash from some conservative figures and, most notably, from Mr. Trump himself, who has labeled Hess a "loser."
Background of Athlete Statements and Public Reactions
During press conferences at the Winter Olympics, several American athletes were asked about their feelings on representing the U.S. given the political situation back home.
Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier, stated, "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now."
Chris Lillis, another freestyle skier, echoed similar sentiments, saying, "I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States."
Amber Glenn, a figure skater, also shared her thoughts on the political situation and its impact on the LGBTQ community, later reporting receiving hate messages and stating she would be spending less time on social media.
These comments appear to have been part of a broader discussion among some Team USA athletes regarding the prevailing political atmosphere. Quinn Dehlinger, a skier, noted, "The political divide in the United States is very prevalent, and competition and sports is always a way to bring people together."
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Trump's Public Condemnation of Athlete Comments
Donald Trump responded to Hess's remarks via his social media platform, Truth Social.
He directly criticized Hess, calling him a "loser."
Trump added, "If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it."
This criticism followed comments made by some conservatives who had already begun to criticize Hess prior to Trump's statement.
Broader Conservative Backlash and Support for Athletes
Beyond Mr. Trump's direct criticism, other public figures have also voiced their disapproval of athletes speaking out on political matters.
U.S. Rep. Tim Burchett reportedly advised Hess to "shut up and go play in the snow."
Jake Paul, a boxer and influencer, posted on X, "From all true Americans If you don't want to represent this country go live somewhere else."
Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and actor Rob Schneider were also noted as conservative figures who criticized athletes speaking out.
U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Response
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) has acknowledged the situation and is providing support to its athletes.
A spokesperson stated, "Our focus is on Hunter’s protection and on ensuring he has the support and resources in place to compete on the world’s largest stage."
The committee confirmed awareness of an increasing amount of abusive and harmful messages directed at athletes.
The USOPC is actively working to remove such content and report credible threats to law enforcement.
Expert and Committee Insights
The statements from the USOPC highlight the challenges athletes face when expressing personal views during international competitions. The committee's statement emphasizes a commitment to athlete welfare and safety amidst online harassment. The context of Glenn's experience, facing backlash for comments related to the LGBTQ community, further illustrates the sensitivity surrounding athletes' public statements on social and political issues.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The public discord between Team USA athletes sharing their personal reflections on the U.S. political climate and Donald Trump's harsh criticism reveals a stark division in public opinion. While athletes like Hess and Lillis have expressed heartfelt concerns, and the USOPC is working to ensure their protection, figures like Trump and other conservatives are advocating for athletes to remain apolitical. The situation underscores the complex interplay between athletic performance, national representation, and individual expression in the highly visible arena of the Winter Olympics. Further monitoring of athlete well-being and the evolving public discourse surrounding these statements is warranted.
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Sources
ABC News: Donald Trump criticizes 'loser' Team USA skier Hunter Hess over press conference comments. Published Feb 8, 2026. https://abcnews.com/US/trump-criticizes-loser-team-usa-skier-hunter-hess/story?id=129971505
CNN Politics: Trump insults Olympic skier who expressed ‘mixed emotions’ representing the US. Published Feb 8, 2026. https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/08/politics/hunter-hess-trump-olympics-skier
CBS News: Trump lashes out at Team USA athlete for sharing thoughts on political situation at home. Published Feb 8, 2026. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-lashes-out-hunter-hess-milano-cortina-winter-games/
PBS NewsHour: Gold and heartbreak: How Team USA is faring at the Winter Olympics. Published 4 days ago. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/gold-and-heartbreak-how-team-usa-is-faring-at-the-winter-olympics
