US Olympians Face Trump Criticism and Online Threats Over Political Views

US Olympians at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina are drawing fire from President Donald Trump and online critics after speaking out on political issues back home. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess from Bend, Oregon, said he has mixed feelings about representing the country due to ongoing tensions, prompting Trump to label him a 'real loser' on Truth Social. Gold medal figure skater Amber Glenn has received hate messages and threats after addressing challenges for the LGBTQ community.

Background

The Winter Olympics opened in Italy on Friday amid heightened political divides in the United States. Athletes from Team USA arrived in Milan Cortina ready to compete in freestyle skiing, figure skating, and other events. Reporters asked several Olympians how they felt about carrying the American flag during a time of sharp debates over immigration, LGBTQ rights, and government policies.

Hunter Hess, a 27-year-old freestyle skier, spoke first at a press event ahead of the opening ceremony. He explained that he competes for his friends, family, and the values he holds dear. Hess made clear he does not agree with everything happening in the US. He said he represents parts of the country that match his moral views. Other athletes echoed similar sentiments. Gold medalist freestyle skier Chris Lillis expressed heartbreak over recent actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Figure skater Amber Glenn pointed to difficulties faced by the LGBTQ community under the current administration.

These comments came as Vice President JD Vance attended events in Milan, including a US women's hockey game. Some in the crowd booed him during the opening ceremony. The mix of sports and politics turned the Games into a stage for broader American tensions.

Key Details

President Trump responded to Hess's words on Sunday morning via Truth Social. He wrote that Hess, a 'real loser,' claims he does not represent his country at the Olympics. Trump said if that is true, Hess should not have tried out for the team. He added it is hard to root for someone like that and ended with 'Make America Great Again.'

Backlash from Public Figures

Trump was not alone in his reaction. Florida Republican Representative Byron Donalds posted on social media that Hess chose to wear the flag and represent the country. He told Hess to go home if it is too hard. Tennessee Representative Tim Burchett said Hess should shut up and go play in the snow. YouTuber Jake Paul, who has millions of followers on X, wrote that true Americans believe if you do not want to represent the country, go live somewhere else. He was later seen sitting next to Vice President Vance at a hockey game. Other voices included former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and actor Rob Schneider, who criticized the athletes online.

Amber Glenn faced her own wave of anger after her press conference. She said politics affect everyone, not just non-athletes. Glenn noted the administration's moves, like closing an LGBTQ crisis hotline and limiting passport sex markers. These steps have upset advocacy groups. After speaking, Glenn posted on Instagram about a scary amount of hate and threats. She plans to cut back on social media for her well-being.

Athlete Support and Safety Measures

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued a statement on athlete safety. They said their top priority is protecting competitors like Hess with the support and resources needed to focus on the Games. The committee revealed a rise in abusive messages toward Team USA members. They monitor public platforms, remove harmful content when possible, and report real threats to law enforcement.

Hess has not backed down. He clarified that wearing the flag does not mean he endorses all US actions. He competes for those who helped him reach this point. Glenn stands firm too, saying she will not stay quiet on issues that touch daily life.

"Just 'cause I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S." – Hunter Hess

Chris Lillis joined the conversation, voicing pain over immigration enforcement. The committee's warnings show this is part of a larger pattern at the Olympics.

What This Means

The clashes highlight how political lines cut through even international sports events. Athletes use their time in the spotlight to air views on immigration crackdowns, LGBTQ policies, and national divisions. This draws quick backlash from Trump supporters and conservative leaders, who see it as unpatriotic. Ordinary social media users add to the volume, flooding athlete accounts with anger.

For Team USA, the focus stays on competition, but safety concerns grow. The Olympic Committee now spends time shielding athletes from online storms. This could shape how future Olympians handle press questions on home issues. Some may choose silence to avoid threats. Others, like Hess and Glenn, push forward, testing the balance between sports and speech.

The Milan Cortina Games continue with freestyle skiing events where Hess and Lillis will compete. Figure skating features Glenn defending her gold. Political noise from the US follows them, but medals remain the main goal. Vance's presence in Italy adds another layer, as boos at events signal split feelings among fans. Conservative critics keep posting, urging athletes to focus on winning for America. Meanwhile, the committee works behind the scenes to keep harm at bay.

These moments show sports as a mirror to society. Olympians represent the US on snow and ice, but their words spark fights far from the venues. The backlash raises questions about free speech for those in the public eye. It also spotlights rising online threats, prompting stronger safeguards. As the Games go on, athletes navigate both jumps and judgments from home.