American Olympic freestyle skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess sparked controversy by expressing mixed emotions about representing the United States at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Why? Because they’re not down with the current crackdown on criminals in the states.
Lillis, a gold medalist from the 2022 Beijing Games, admitted to feeling “heartbroken” over events in the U.S.
“A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States,” he said, adding, “I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect.”
“I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America that we’re trying to represent.”
No reporters followed up with Lillis to ask whether people like Laken Riley or Jocelyn Nungaray were treated with love and respect. That’s the problem, though. These idiots in the media never ask about opposing viewpoints.
Not to be outdone, Hess echoed these sentiments, describing the experience of representing America as “a little hard” amid issues he’s “not the biggest fan of.”
“Just because I wear the flag, it doesn’t mean I represent everything that is going on in the U.S.,” he told reporters.
Then don’t wear the American flag, Chief. And take your ass home and let someone proud of their country compete.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now… Just because I wear the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 7, 2026
– Team USA Olympic Skier Hunter Hess
The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics…
If… pic.twitter.com/yn7ruEHbFr
Veterans Unleash Fierce Backlash Against Team USA Skiers Over Mixed Emotions Representing America
The skiers’ comments drew sharp backlash on social media from military veterans, who accused them of disrespecting the flag and the country that supports their athletic careers.
Chad Caton, a veteran and founder of Veterans For Trump Coalition, lambasted the athletes.
“What, you ski with that flag on your arm and run your mouth on the world stage??” he wrote on X. “Some of us wore that flag on our arm and buried our friends under it.”
“STFU AND GO PLAY IN THE SNOW.”
What you ski with that flag on your arm and run your mouth on the world stage??
— Chad Caton🎙🇺🇸 (@ImFiredUp2) February 7, 2026
Some of us wore that flag on our arm and buried our friends under it.
STFU AND GO PLAY IN THE SNOWpic.twitter.com/jsguwfsyV3
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, known for carrying the nuclear football during his service, called the remarks “unacceptable.”
“Dude gets supported by the US and trashes us in Italy,” he wrote.
Another veteran, retired USAF First Sergeant known as YourFirstSergeant on X, urged Team USA to stay out of politics abroad.
“You are representing our country, ALL of our country. Stay the hell out of politics on foreign soil, or come home. Period,” he said. “You don’t represent me.”
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In contrast, American tennis players at the recent Australian Open demonstrated a more unified patriotic front, avoiding criticism of the U.S. despite pointed questions from reporters seeking negative responses about the Trump administration.
Rising star Ben Shelton notably signed a courtside camera with the message “USA ’til it’s backwards,” a bold show of national pride that preempted any divisive commentary.
Other players, like Amanda Anisimova, expressed straightforward pride in representing America
“I was born in America. So, I’m always proud to represent my country,” she said. “A lot of us are doing really well, and it’s great to see a lot of great athletes on the women’s side and men’s side. I feel like we’re all doing a great job representing ourselves.”
See how easy that is, boys?