US Olympic Athletes Speak Out Against Trump Administration

Competing athletes express discomfort representing the US under current political climate

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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A growing number of US Olympic athletes competing in the Winter Games are expressing discomfort with representing the country under the Trump administration, sparking backlash from the president and his supporters. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess said it's "a little hard" to represent the US right now due to the political climate, while figure skater Amber Glenn decried the administration's policies toward the LGBTQ community. The comments have drawn criticism from Vice President Vance and Republican lawmakers, but also support from fellow athletes like snowboarder Chloe Kim.

Why it matters

The political statements by US athletes at the Olympics highlight the growing divide in the country and the willingness of high-profile public figures to voice their concerns about the current administration. It raises questions about the role of politics in sports and whether athletes should be expected to set aside their personal views when representing their country.

The details

Several US athletes, including freestyle skier Hunter Hess and figure skater Amber Glenn, have expressed discomfort with representing the country under the Trump administration. Hess said it's "a little hard" to wear the US flag given the current political climate, while Glenn decried the administration's policies toward the LGBTQ community. The comments have drawn strong criticism from Vice President Vance and Republican lawmakers like Jim Jordan, who argued that athletes should not be "disparaging the country" while representing it. However, the athletes have also received support from fellow Olympians like snowboarder Chloe Kim, whose parents are immigrants.

  • The Winter Olympics are currently taking place in Milan, Italy.

The players

Hunter Hess

A US freestyle skier competing in the Winter Olympics.

Amber Glenn

A US figure skater competing in the Winter Olympics.

Chloe Kim

A US snowboarding superstar competing in the Winter Olympics.

Vice President Vance

The current US Vice President who attended the Olympics opening ceremony.

Donald Trump

The former US President who has criticized US athletes speaking out against his administration.

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What they’re saying

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think it's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”

— Hunter Hess, US Freestyle Skier (The Hill)

“I hope I can use my voice and this platform to help people stay strong in these hard times.”

— Amber Glenn, US Figure Skater (The Hill)

“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 and I think that I'm really proud to represent the United States.”

— Chloe Kim, US Snowboarder (The Hill)

“You're not there to pop off about politics. So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback.”

— Vice President Vance (The Hill)

“Who does that? What president in the middle of the Olympics … attacks his own countries athletes? I mean just, d—. There is nothing more patriotic than questioning your own country when its leadership makes decisions that are so sharply out of line with our values and traditions.”

— Sen. Chris Coons, Democratic Senator from Delaware (The Hill)

What’s next

The controversy over US athletes speaking out against the Trump administration is likely to continue throughout the Winter Olympics, with both sides digging in on their positions. It remains to be seen if any further disciplinary action will be taken against athletes who voice political opinions.

The takeaway

The political statements by US Olympians highlight the deep divisions in the country and the willingness of high-profile athletes to use their platforms to express dissent. While some view this as unpatriotic, others see it as a fundamental right and responsibility of citizens to hold their government accountable. The episode underscores the challenges of keeping sports and politics separate in an increasingly polarized political climate.