American Athletes Taking A Political Stand At The Winter Olympics

Athletes speak out on US immigration, LGBTQ+ rights, and political unrest, despite backlash from some officials and fans.
Olympians balance national pride with concerns over country's direction, highlighting tensions between sports and real-world politics.

American Athletes Taking A Political Stand At The Olympics — Source: VCG / Getty

It’s a very interesting time to be watching the Olympics — especially this Winter edition in Milan-Cortina 2026. Every four years, we see elite athletes from all over the world push themselves to the brink of physical greatness, showcasing speed, strength, grace, and grit. Whether it’s snowboarders flying off massive jumps, skiers carving razor-sharp turns, or hockey players battling it out on the ice, the Games are supposed to be a celebration of unity, national pride, and the best of human competition.

But even as the world tunes in to cheer for Team USA, millions of people back home are feeling anything but unified. The United States is in a turbulent moment — politically, socially, and culturally. Immigration policies, human rights discussions, and debates over freedom and equality have dominated headlines and dinner-table conversations alike. For many, the joy of watching Americans represent their country on a global stage is mixed with frustration, disappointment, or outright anger about how the nation is being run.

Because of that tension, some American athletes are using the 2026 winter Olympics spotlight to voice their real, raw perspectives about what they see happening back home. These athletes aren’t just talking about sporting results — they’re talking about affecting people’s lives. They’re connecting their platforms to issues such as immigration enforcement, LGBTQ+ rights, and what it means to be proud to represent your country in times of political unrest. It’s not always planned activism — a lot of it comes in response to questions from international reporters — but it’s honest, heartfelt, and undeniably powerful.

The feedback has been loud. Some political figures and commentators have publicly criticized athletes for speaking out, with President Donald Trump even calling one skier (Hunter Hess) a “real loser” after he expressed “mixed emotions” about representing the United States amid domestic conflicts. Other athletes — and many fans — have rallied around these voices, defending their right to speak up while still loving their country. At the same time, some Olympians, especially LGBTQ+ competitors, have faced threats and harassment online for daring to answer honestly about what the current U.S. climate means to them personally.

This moment in history — a global sporting stage colliding with the messiness of real-world politics — highlights a new generation of athletes who refuse to simply “stick to sports.” They’re aware that politics affects everyday life, and they want to use their platforms to reflect that truth. Here is a list of athletes who have taken a political stand at the Winter Olympics.

American Athletes Taking A Political Stand At The Olympics

Hunter Hess

Freestyle skier Hunter Hess made headlines when, during a press conference in Milan, he said he felt “mixed emotions” about representing the United States in the Olympics, given what’s been happening domestically, particularly around immigration enforcement issues. His honesty sparked a national debate, with President Trump calling him a “real loser” for not fully embracing the current state of the nation. In response, Hess clarified that he loves his country and wears the flag for his supporters and community — but that doesn’t mean he has to agree with every political decision.

Chris Lillis

Also a freestyle skier, Chris Lillis echoed similar sentiments when asked about representing the U.S. amid ongoing political turmoil. He said that while he loves being an Olympian, he’s heartbroken over events happening back home and hopes the nation focuses on respect, compassion, and human rights. Lillis pointed out that the ideals Americans want their athletes to embody — fairness and dignity — are part of what he hopes to display on the world stage. His comments highlighted how athletes balance pride in their sport with concern for the country’s direction.

Amber Glenn

Figure skater Amber Glenn, one of the most visible LGBTQ+ members of Team USA, was asked how broader political issues impact her as an athlete. She openly spoke about hoping to use her voice to inspire strength and encourage people to stay strong in hard times, especially for LGBTQ+ folks who feel under attack. Glenn said that politics isn’t separate from everyday life and that silence isn’t what she wants for her community. In the wake of her comments, she faced significant online harassment and announced she would limit her social media use for safety reasons — underscoring the intensity of the backlash.

Gus Kenworthy

Though technically competing for Great Britain this year, freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy — who grew up in the United States — used social media to call out U.S. immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by posting a photo that read “f**k ICE” written in snow. He urged followers to contact senators to oppose funding that he believes enables harmful enforcement practices. The post went viral, drawing both praise and violent threats, including homophobic abuse and death wish comments. Kenworthy has insisted that loving one’s country doesn’t mean supporting every policy, and that immigrants and human rights matter deeply to him.