'Politics Affects Us All': US Athletes Voice Discontent With Trump At Winter Olympics

Last Updated:February 10, 2026, 18:57 IST

While political gestures on the medal podium have been banned, competitors are free to share their views in press conferences and on social media.

Athletes representing Team USA at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics are using the Games to voice discontent with US President Donald Trump’s administration, with several openly criticising his policies.

While political gestures on the medal podium have been banned since 2021 under Article 50 of the Olympic Charter, competitors are free to share their views in press conferences and on social media.

Much of the anger has centred on the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, particularly tactics used by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The fatal shootings of two protesters by federal officers in Minneapolis last month sparked outrage across the United States.

British freestyle skier Gus Kenworthy, who won Olympic silver for the US in 2014 but now competes for his birth country, made his opposition clear. On Instagram, he posted “Fxxx ICE", apparently after urinating on the snow. He said he had received both supportive messages and death threats.

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Kenworthy’s post did not draw a reaction from Trump, but the president attacked American freestyle skier Hunter Hess, who had expressed mixed feelings about representing the US.

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US," Hess said. He added it “brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now."

Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Hess “a real Loser".

US snowboard star Chloe Kim defended Hess, calling for more “love and compassion". “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.

Other athletes were more measured. Alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin cited a Nelson Mandela quote used at the opening ceremony: “‘Peace is not just the absence of conflict. Peace is the creation of an environment where all can flourish…’"

“For me this relates to the Olympics. I’m really hoping to show up and represent my own values. Values of inclusivity, values of diversity and kindness," Shiffrin said.

Figure skater Amber Glenn, who won Olympic team gold, said it had been “a hard time for the (queer) community overall in this administration." She added: “I know that a lot of people say you’re just an athlete, like, stick to your job, shut up about politics, but politics affect us all."

The International Olympic Committee declined to comment on Trump’s remarks. Some American spectators made their own statement by waving a flag reading “Go Team USA" on one side and “Apologies to the world for our bad behaviour. We will fix ourselves" on the other.

(With inputs from AFP)

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