There are more U.S. Winter Olympians speaking out against representing President Donald Trump, much to the dismay if his supporters.
U.S. athlete Hunter Hess said he was conflicted about competing for Team USA given the country’s political climate, per The Hill.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think it’s a little hard,” Hess, a freestyle skier, said olin a recent news conference. “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.”
In response, Trump called him a “real loser” on Truth Social, adding it is “very hard to root for someone like this” when watching the games.
Hess has received support from fellow athletes.
This includes snowboarder Chloe Kim, whose parents are immigrants.
She said the issue “hits pretty close to home” for her and other athletes.
“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,” Kim said.
Before Hess’ comments, Amber Glenn, an American figure skater, spoke out against the administration’s policies toward people in the LGBTQ community.
“I hope I can use my voice and this platform to help people stay strong in these hard times,” Glenn said.
Vice President JD Vance said politics and the Olympics should remain separate.
Vance was booed in Milan when he attended the Games’s opening ceremonies.
“You’re not there to pop off about politics,” Vance said.“So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback.”
Democrats have denounced Trump’s attack on Hess.
“Who does that? What president in the middle of the Olympics … attacks his own countries athletes? I mean just, d—,” Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) told The Hill. “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.”
Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) said it was “ridiculous” any Olympic athlete would have mixed feelings about representing the U.S. because of Trump’s policies.
“I think that’s ridiculous … it’s an honor to get to represent the greatest country in history in the Olympic Games. That makes no sense to me,” Jordan, a former NCAA wrestler, told The Hill. “I haven’t seen some of the things they’ve said, but if they’re disparaging the country while representing it, that makes no sense.”
