Olympic Team USA Turns Political

Waving American flag against a clear blue sky

U.S. Olympians don Team USA gear while publicly disavowing the nation they represent, igniting a firestorm that questions the heart of American pride at the 2026 Winter Games.

Story Snapshot

Snowboarders Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis voice discomfort representing America over ICE policies tied to Trump administration.
1980 Miracle on Ice captain Mike Eruzione blasts them on social media for lacking full commitment to the USA uniform.
Protests erupt in Milan against ICE agents securing VP JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio at the opening ceremony.
Conservative backlash frames athletes’ words as unpatriotic bashing amid Olympic patriotism.

Athletes Reject Full National Representation

Hunter Hess declared mixed emotions about wearing the U.S. flag at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. He stated, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything.” Chris Lillis echoed heartbreak over ICE actions, hoping to represent an America of respect and love. These pre-Games press conference remarks tied their unease to domestic protests and ICE’s role in securing U.S. officials. Such open disclaimers mark a sharp departure from silent competition.

Eruzione’s Swift Social Media Rebuke

Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 Miracle on Ice hockey team, posted criticism on X targeting Hess. He warned against donning the USA uniform without total commitment. Eruzione deleted the post soon after, but screenshots spread rapidly. This response from a patriotic icon amplified conservative media outrage. Eruzione’s legacy as a symbol of American triumph lent weight to calls for unwavering national loyalty during global competition.

ICE Security Sparks Milan Protests

ICE agents arrived in Milan on February 6, 2026, to protect VP JD Vance and Secretary Marco Rubio at the opening ceremony. Protests exploded in Piazza Leonardo with smoke bombs and megaphones denouncing ICE presence. Demonstrators linked the deployment to U.S. deportation policies under Trump. Athletes like Hess and Lillis referenced these events and Minnesota unrest, blending personal values with broader dissent. Games proceeded amid the chaos, with no immediate IOC sanctions.

Historical Protests Meet Modern Backlash

Olympic political statements trace to 1906 when Peter O’Connor raised an Irish flag against British rule. The 1968 Black Power salute by Tommie Smith and John Carlos led to expulsion for protesting racism. Recent examples include 2021 U.S. soccer kneeling and a 2016 Ethiopian gesture. Unlike podium actions banned by IOC Rule 50, Hess and Lillis issued pre-competition caveats. Figure skater Amber Glenn vowed not to stay silent on politics, while coach Jackie J urged representing “the people,” not government.

Stakeholders Clash Over Patriotism

Team USA athletes prioritize moral stances against ICE deportations, seeking to embody an “ideal America.” Eruzione and veterans defend unyielding pride. IOC enforces unity rules with symbolic oaths, holding sanction power. Trump administration deploys ICE for VIP protection, fueling critiques. Power tilts toward regulators and officials, yet athletes wield viral platforms. Trump directly criticized Hess, escalating the divide. Conservative viewpoints align facts showing athletes’ words undermine the honor of national representation, clashing with common-sense duty to unite under the flag.

Impacts Challenge Olympic Unity

Social media backlash splits fans between patriots and activists, distracting from competitions. Short-term IOC warnings loom; long-term activism normalizes disclaimers at Games. U.S. divisions play out abroad, validating immigrant communities while alienating legends like Eruzione. Political fuel boosts Trump responses, with minimal economic ripples. Sports media polarizes, conservatives praising backlash as rightful defense of pride. Broader effects question Olympics’ unity narrative in tense times, setting precedents for future Winter events.