Open war ignites between Winter Games Team USA and Donald Trump

The turbulent social climate in the United States has spilled over into the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, shattering any illusion of Olympic truce in the hills of the Italian Alps. The country’s deep divisions have crossed borders – from the streets of Minneapolis to press conferences in Cortina d’Ampezzo. It is rare to see athletes openly locked in a public war of words with their president and his supporters before cameras and microphones from around the world. Yet the Games have laid bare America’s political fragmentation in vivid fashion.

Hunter Hess criticism sparks political storm at Winter Olympics

The controversy began on the eve of the Games, when freestyle skier Hunter Hess admitted to having “mixed emotions” about representing the United States amid clashes between immigration agents and civil society. “I’m not a fan of what’s going on right now, and a lot of people aren’t,” he said. “Just because I’m holding the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything happening in the United States. So, yeah, I’m mainly doing it for my friends, my family and the people who supported me to get here.”

Teammate Chris Lillis echoed the sentiment. “I love the United States, and I wouldn’t want to represent another country at the Olympics. That being said, a lot of times athletes are hesitant to speak about our political views and how we feel about certain things. It breaks my heart what’s happening in the United States. I think, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and making sure we’re treating our citizens – and anyone – with love and respect.”

Donald Trump did not take kindly to the remarks. “Hunter Hess, a total loser, says he doesn’t represent his country at the current Winter Olympics. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team, and it’s a shame he’s on it. It’s very hard to support someone like that,” he wrote on Truth Social, the social network he owns. Tennessee Republican lawmaker Tim Burchett backed the president, reviving an old adage urging athletes to avoid politics: “Shut up and go play in the snow” – an echo of the “shut up and dribble” comment once directed at LeBron James in 2017.

Team USA athletes defend free expression and unity

The president’s combative response intensified the exchange, prompting visible support for Hess, though none of his teammates directly addressed Trump by name. Instead, they spoke of unity, family representation rather than national ideology, and the right to free expression, rejecting violence, racism and discrimination.

Snowboard halfpipe competitor Chloe Kim led the defense. “It’s really important that we come together and support each other, and stand up to everything that’s going on. I’m very proud to represent the United States. The country has given my family and me many opportunities, but I also believe we have the right to express our opinions about what’s happening. We need to preach love and compassion.”

Maddie Mastro struck a similar tone. “It saddens me what’s going on. It’s really tough, and we can’t turn a blind eye. But at the same time, I represent a country that shares my values of kindness and compassion, and we come together in times of injustice.”

Freestyle halfpipe skier Svea Irving added: “It’s definitely a tough moment in my country. I’ll continue to represent my values, which are compassion, respect and love for others, and represent my community and those who gave us the opportunity to be here. It’s a very special experience.”

Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins was unequivocal. “I want to make sure people know who I’m racing for when I’m on the Olympic start line. I’m racing for Americans who stand for love, acceptance, compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate, violence and discrimination.”

“What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong”

Curling team member Rich Ruohonen took a sharper line, particularly regarding actions by ICE. “I’m proud to represent Team USA and our country, but we’d be wrong not to mention what’s happening in Minnesota and how hard it’s been for everyone,” he said. “We have a Constitution that gives us freedom of the press and freedom of speech, that protects us from unreasonable searches and seizures and requires probable cause to detain someone. What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. It’s not a gray area. It’s clear.”

He praised local residents who had “shown love, compassion, integrity and respect for people they don’t know, helping them.” Still, he drew a distinction between criticizing policy and representing a nation. “I want to make it clear: we love the United States and Team USA. We compete for ourselves and our families who sacrificed so much to get us here. That doesn’t change anything, because what the Olympics stand for is excellence, respect and friendship. I think we all embody that.”

Mikaela Shiffrin cites Nelson Mandela amid controversy

Two-time Olympic alpine skiing champion Mikaela Shiffrin avoided direct controversy, instead quoting Nelson Mandela, words also referenced by Charlize Theron during the opening ceremony: “Peace is not the absence of conflict, peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish, regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, class, caste or any other social markers or differences.”

“For me, that relates to the Olympics,” she said. “There are a lot of broken hearts. There’s a lot of violence. It can be hard to reconcile that while you’re also competing for medals at an Olympic event. I hope to represent my own values – inclusivity, diversity, kindness, sharing, tenacity and work ethic – and show up for my team every day and for the values we put on the mountain.”

JD Vance says athletes should unite the country

Vice President JD Vance attended the opening ceremony as an official representative of the United States. When his image appeared on screens at San Siro Stadium, he was met with boos from sections of the crowd. Upon returning to the United States, he addressed the dispute.

“We’ve seen some athletes talk about politics. That happens at every Olympics,” he said. “My advice is that they should try to unite the country. When you’re representing the country, you’re representing Democrats and Republicans. You’re there to represent your country and play a sport, and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to talk about politics. When athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some resistance. But most athletes, regardless of their political views, are doing a great job and have great support across the country. The way to unite is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the president of the United States, but to compete and represent your country very well.”

The confrontation has led several of the athletes involved to receive hate messages and threats on social media. Figure skater Amber Glenn, a frequent critic of Trump, has been targeted over her sexual orientation. The US Olympic Committee issued a statement Sunday reaffirming its support and remains “committed to their well-being and safety, on and off the field of play.”

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