Trump lashed out at the Team USA athlete for sharing his thoughts on the political situation at home
President Trump criticized Team USA freestyle skater Hunter Hess on Sunday, after Hess and other American athletes competed. Milano Cortina Winter Games share them thoughts on the political situation in the United States earlier in the week.
“US Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he is not representing his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” said Mr. Trump on social media on Sunday. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. It’s very hard to root someone like this. DO AMERICA AGAIN!”
In a press conference on Wednesday, answering a question about the current political situation in the US, Hess said that his feelings about representing his country at the world level are difficult.
“I think it brings mixed feelings to represent the US right now, I think. It’s a little difficult,” he said. “Obviously there’s a lot going on that I’m not a huge fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. I think it’s for me to represent my family, like my friends and family back home, the people who came before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US.”
“I just think, if it’s in line with my moral values, I feel like I represent it. Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in the US,” he continued. “So, I just want to do it like my friends and my family and the people who support me to get here.”
On Saturday, Trump administration delegate and Kennedy Center head Rich Grennell criticized Hess on social media, suggesting that he “move to Canada if you’re not proud to wear the USA.”
Meanwhile, Tennessee Rep. Tim Burchett, a Republican, said Hess should “shut up and go play in the snow.”
YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul, who was there photos with Vice President JD Vance at a US women’s hockey gamepiled on Hess, writing Saturday in X: “From all “From all real Americans If you don’t want to represent this country go live somewhere else.”
In addition to Paul, strong figures who criticize athletes on social media include former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, actor Rob Schneider and US attorney Byron Donalds – Mr.
US National Champion figure skater Amber Glenn, who became the first LGBTQ woman to skate at the Olympics on Sunday, said Saturday she will spend less time on social media after facing criticism for sharing her thoughts on issues facing the LGBTQ community ahead of the Games.
“When I chose to use one of the wonderful things about the United States of America (Freedom of Speech) and express how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA during a difficult time for many Americans I now receive hate/horrible threats just for using my voice IF I AM ASKED how I feel,” said Glenn in a social media post on Saturday. “I was expecting this but it disappoints me. I will be reducing my time on social media to be healthy for now but I will not stop using my voice for what I believe in.”
Earlier in the week, at a press conference, Glenn was asked to share his thoughts on the political climate in the US and its impact on the LGBTQ community.
“It has been a difficult time for the community as a whole and for these managers. It is not the first time that we have had to come together as a community and try to fight for our rights. And now especially, it does not only affect the mahlonga community but also many other communities. And I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we did not need to do before. And because of that, a lot has made us stronger,” said Glen.
“I hope that I will use my platform and my voice in all these games to try to encourage people to stay strong in these difficult times. I know that many people say that you are just a player, like sticking to your job, shut out politics. But politics affects us all. It is something that I will not be silent about because it is something that affects our daily lives. Therefore, there are things that we strengthen and do not agree with as a society and do not agree with every day. before us,” he continued.
When US skier Mikaela Shiffrin, who said “it’s always an honor and a privilege to represent Team USA and represent your country,” was asked by reporters about the unrest in the US on Saturday, she quoted former South African leader Nelson Mandela.
“Peace is not just the absence of conflict, peace is creating an environment where we can all thrive, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, caste, class or any other difference in society,” said Shiffrin quoting Mandela.
“For me, as this relates to the Olympics, I really hope to show up and represent my values - the values of inclusion, the values of diversity, and kindness, and sharing,” Shiffrin said. “Toughness, good work ethic, showing up with my team every day, like I said before, and the values that we bring and put on the hill and on the hill every day.”
In response to questions from the Associated Press, the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said in a statement on Sunday that it is aware of the increasing number of abusive and dangerous messages directed at athletes and is doing everything possible to remove content and report credible threats to law enforcement.
“The USOPC stands firmly behind Team USA athletes and remains committed to their well-being and safety, both on and off the field of play,” it said.
