GOP Lawmakers Blast Suggestion That Olympic Patriotism Causes 'Shame'

Critics respond with USA chants after HuffPost piece questions feeling pride for American athletes

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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HuffPost published a piece suggesting that feeling discomfort rooting for the USA in the Olympics is common, as the article cited Olympians who have expressed disdain for the current government. This prompted a backlash from GOP lawmakers and others, who posted photos of American athletes celebrating with the flag and chanted "USA" in response.

Why it matters

The article touches on the ongoing debate around patriotism and national pride, particularly in the context of major sporting events like the Olympics. It highlights the political divide, with some questioning whether it's appropriate to celebrate American athletes while also being critical of the federal government.

The details

The HuffPost piece argued that there is a "whiplash between pride for United States competitors and national shame for the federal government." It cited Olympians like skier Hunter Hess, who said wearing the flag doesn't mean he represents everything going on in the U.S. Critics, including GOP lawmakers, quickly pushed back, posting photos of American athletes celebrating and chanting "USA" in response.

  • On Sunday, HuffPost published the controversial piece.

The players

HuffPost

A news and opinion website that published the piece questioning feelings of Olympic patriotism.

Hunter Hess

An Olympic skier who expressed disdain for the current U.S. government, saying wearing the flag doesn't mean he represents everything going on in the country.

Tom Tiffany

A Republican Congressman from Wisconsin who responded to the HuffPost post with a photo of a bald eagle stomping on a Canadian goose, along with the caption "Proud to be an American today, tomorrow, and every day. USA! USA! USA!"

Markwayne Mullin

A Republican Senator from Oklahoma who wrote on X, "If you can't be excited about winning gold at the Olympics— including in OT vs Canada, you don't have a pulse. Some people will pick victimhood and being miserable over having an ounce of patriotism. Good luck."

Randy Fine

A Republican Congressman from Florida who responded to the HuffPost piece by saying, "Get the hell out of my country. USA! USA! USA!"

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What they’re saying

“There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything going on in the U.S.”

— Hunter Hess, Olympic skier (HuffPost)

“Proud to be an American today, tomorrow, and every day. USA! USA! USA!”

— Tom Tiffany, Republican Congressman (X)

“If you can't be excited about winning gold at the Olympics— including in OT vs Canada, you don't have a pulse. Some people will pick victimhood and being miserable over having an ounce of patriotism. Good luck.”

— Markwayne Mullin, Republican Senator (X)

“Get the hell out of my country. USA! USA! USA!”

— Randy Fine, Republican Congressman (X)

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tensions around patriotism, national pride, and political divisions in the United States. While some question the appropriateness of celebrating American athletes, others argue that Olympic success should be a unifying source of national pride, regardless of political disagreements.