Team USA Athletes Speak Out at Olympics After Trump Criticism of Skier Hunter Hess

LIVIGNO, Italy — The 2026 Winter Olympics are quickly becoming a backdrop for political debate, as several U.S. Athletes have spoken out about the current climate in the United States, prompting a response from President Donald Trump and sparking a wider conversation about the role of athletes in expressing their views.

The initial exchange began when freestyle skier Hunter Hess said he had “mixed feelings” about representing the U.S., citing a “tense and divisive political climate back home.” President Trump responded on social media, calling Hess “a real loser.”

Hess addressed the controversy Monday in a social media post, stating, “I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but You’ll see always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.” He added, “The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. Wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete. Thanks to everyone for their support.”

The situation quickly broadened, with other American athletes weighing in when asked about Trump’s comments and their feelings about representing the U.S. Two-time gold medalist Chloe Kim expressed her pride in representing the country but also emphasized the right of athletes to voice their opinions.

“I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another, for all that’s going on,” Kim said at a news conference Monday. “I’m really proud to represent the United States. The U.S. Has given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on. And I think that we need to lead with love and compassion. And I would love to see some more of that.” Kim’s parents emigrated from South Korea, making the issue particularly personal.

Snowboarders Bea Kim and Maddie Mastro echoed similar sentiments. Bea Kim, the granddaughter of immigrants, stated, “Diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.” Mastro said she was “saddened with what’s happening at home” and expressed a desire to balance representing the U.S. With acknowledging domestic issues.

The responses from the athletes have not been without consequence. Vice President JD Vance, attending the Games with his wife, Usha Vance, suggested that athletes should focus on unifying the country rather than engaging in political commentary. “When you’re representing the country, you’re representing Democrats and Republicans,” Vance said. “You’re there to play a sport, and you’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to pop off about politics.”

The International Olympic Committee has declined to comment on President Trump’s remarks, with spokesperson Mark Adams stating he would “not going to add to the discourse.” However, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee acknowledged an increase in harmful messages directed at athletes and said it was working to report threats and remove inappropriate content.

Gus Kenworthy, a skier competing for the United Kingdom but previously for the U.S., also weighed in on social media, posting a video expressing support for athletes speaking out. He referenced a protest involving a message written in urine in the snow, stating, “I just want to remind everyone that you can love the U.S. And be proud to be an American – I am – and still think it can be better.”

Freestyle skier Chris Lillis also expressed concern about the political situation in the U.S., saying he was “heartbroken about what’s happened in the United States” and that the country “need[s] to focus on respecting everybody’s rights.”

J. Simon Rofe, an associate professor in sports diplomacy at the University of Leeds, noted that athletes have long used the Olympic platform to make political statements, citing the example of Tommie Smith and John Carlos’s protest at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. He added that social media has amplified athletes’ ability to engage in political discourse.

“What’s noticeable [in these Winter Games] is athletes’ agency in being political,” Rofe said. “Sport plays that huge role in society and communities of convening people together. It allows for conversations that wouldn’t happen otherwise.”