Criticism by Winter Olympic athletes of Trump policies mirror reaction to iconic 1968 protest
This is read by an automated voice.Please report any issues or inconsistencies here.
History is once again unfolding at the Milan-Cortina Winter Games as Team USA members break records and score dominant triumphs.But as the Games move into their second week, a different and more provocative history is starting to repeat itself, casting a politically charged shadow over the event.Champion skier Mikaela Shiffrin, snowboarder Chloe Kim, and freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillas are among the top athletes who have been vocal about their uneasiness in representing their home country during a period of deep political crisis revolving several volatile issues, including the violent federal crackdown in Minnesota by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and the Trump administration’s attacks nationwide on immigrants and the LGBTQ+ community.“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S.
right now,” Hess said at a press conference last week.“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics American skiers Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess and other Milan-Cortina Olympic athletes aren’t shying away from talking about what’s going on in the United States.Trump blasted Hess’ comments in a Truth Social post, calling him “a real Loser,” adding, “He says he doesn’t represent his Country ...
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.”Commenting on the athletes in an interview with CNN, Vice President JD Vance, who was attending the Games, said the athletes who are critical should expect “some pushback.”Vance, who was booed when he was shown on a large screen during the opening ceremonies, added, “You’re there to play a sport, you’re there to represent the country and hopefully win a medal.
Most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a g...