U.S. Olympic Athletes Speak Out Against Political Divisions

Freeskiers and figure skaters express mixed feelings about representing the U.S. amid a divisive climate

Feb. 9, 2026 at 1:47pm

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Several U.S. athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy are facing backlash for expressing how they feel about representing the United States amid a divisive political climate back home. American freeskier Hunter Hess said he doesn't feel he represents everything happening in the U.S., drawing criticism from President Trump. Other athletes like figure skater Amber Glenn and members of the U.S. women's halfpipe team have also voiced concerns about the country's political divisions and their desire to represent American values of "kindness and compassion."

Why it matters

The comments from U.S. athletes highlight the challenges of representing a country that is deeply divided politically. While the Olympics are meant to be a unifying event, some athletes feel torn between their patriotism and their disagreement with the current administration's policies and rhetoric. This raises questions about the role of politics in sports and whether athletes should be expected to set aside their personal views when competing for their country.

The details

Hunter Hess, a 27-year-old U.S. freeskier, said at a news conference that it's "a little hard" to wear the Team USA uniform given the political climate in the U.S. His teammate, Chris Lillis, expressed similar sentiments, saying he feels "heartbroken" about what's happening in the country. Figure skater Amber Glenn, a 26-year-old LGBTQ activist, said the Trump administration has been "a hard time for the community overall" and that she won't be "quiet" about political issues that affect her everyday life. Members of the U.S. women's halfpipe team, including Bea Kim, Chloe Kim, Maddie Mastro, and Maddy Schaffrick, also spoke about the need for unity and compassion in the U.S. despite the country's divisions.

  • The comments from U.S. athletes were made in the lead-up to and during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

The players

Hunter Hess

A 27-year-old American freeskier from Bend, Oregon who competed for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Chris Lillis

A U.S. freeskier and teammate of Hunter Hess who also competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Amber Glenn

A 26-year-old U.S. figure skater and LGBTQ activist who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Bea Kim

A 17-year-old member of the U.S. women's halfpipe snowboarding team who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Chloe Kim

A 25-year-old native of Southern California and member of the U.S. women's halfpipe snowboarding team who competed at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I think for me it's more I'm representing my friends and family back home and the people that represented before me and all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I'm representing it. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”

— Hunter Hess, U.S. Freeskier

“I feel heartbroken about what's happening in the United States. I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure that we're treating our citizens, as well as anybody, with love and respect. I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that's the America that we're trying to represent.”

— Chris Lillis, U.S. Freeskier

“It's been a hard time for the community overall in this administration. It isn't the first time that we've had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights. I know that a lot of people say you're just an athlete, like, stick to your job, shut up about politics, but politics affect us all. It is something that I will not just be quiet about, because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives.”

— Amber Glenn, U.S. Figure Skater

“I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously, we're very divided. I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.”

— Bea Kim, U.S. Halfpipe Snowboarder

“It is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another with all that's going on. I'm really proud to represent the United States. It's given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions of what's going on. And I think that we should lead with love and compassion. And I'd love to see more of that.”

— Chloe Kim, U.S. Halfpipe Snowboarder

The takeaway

The comments from U.S. Olympic athletes highlight the complex and divisive nature of politics in America, even during a time of international competition meant to bring people together. While the athletes express pride in representing their country, they also feel compelled to speak out against the political divisions and lack of unity they see at home. This raises important questions about the role of politics in sports and whether athletes should be expected to set aside their personal views when competing for their nation.