President Trump took aim at Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess on Sunday, following Hess's candid remarks about the political climate in the United States during the Milano Cortina Winter Games.
"U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn't represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics," Trump declared in a social media post. "If that's the case, he shouldn't have tried out for the Team, and it's too bad he's on it. Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"
Earlier in the week, during a press conference, Hess expressed his conflicted feelings about representing the U.S. on an international stage. "I think it brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now," he stated. "There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't." He emphasized that his representation is more about his friends and family than the current political situation.
Rich Grennell, a Trump administration envoy and head of the Kennedy Center, also criticized Hess on social media, suggesting he should "move to Canada if you aren't proud to wear USA." Meanwhile, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett advised Hess to "shut up and go play in the snow."
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul joined the chorus of criticism, posting on X: "From all true Americans If you don't want to represent this country go live somewhere else."
Conservative figures including former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and actor Rob Schneider echoed similar sentiments online, targeting athletes who voice their opinions. U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, who has Trump's endorsement for the Florida gubernatorial race, also weighed in.
In a related incident, U.S. National Champion figure skater Amber Glenn, who made history as the first out LGBTQ woman to compete at an Olympic Games, announced she would limit her social media presence after facing backlash for discussing LGBTQ issues. "When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (Freedom of speech) and convey how I feel... I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats," Glenn lamented.
Earlier in the week, Glenn had addressed the political situation's impact on the LGBTQ community, stating, "It's been a hard time for the community overall and this administration... we are able to support each other in a way that we didn't have to before." She expressed hope that her platform could encourage resilience among those facing adversity.
U.S. alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin responded to questions about political tensions by quoting Nelson Mandela: "Peace is not just the absence of conflict; peace is the creation of an environment where we can all flourish." She emphasized her commitment to values of inclusivity and kindness while representing Team USA.
In light of these events, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee acknowledged the rise in abusive messages directed at athletes. In a statement, they affirmed their support for Team USA athletes and their commitment to ensuring their safety both on and off the field.
The ongoing discourse surrounding athletes' political expressions continues to spark debate as they navigate their roles on an international stage.
