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American freestyle skiers are facing intense backlash on social media following comments made about representing the United States at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026, amid the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement operations in the US.
Speaking to the media before Friday’s opening ceremony, several members of the Team USA freestyle ski team spoke about representing the U.S. as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations continue under President Donald Trump’s second term.
Bronze medalist Christopher Lillis poses on the podium during the men’s aerials awards ceremony at the 2024-25 FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup at Beidahu Ski Resort in Jilin City, Jilin Province, China. It happened on February 23, 2025. (Yan Linyun/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist and Olympic gold medalist Chris Lillis said that while he would “never” want to represent another country at the Games, he is “heartbroken” by the administration’s actions.
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“I love the United States. I would never want to represent a different country in the Olympics. That being said, many times athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things.
“I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in America; I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and stuff like that,” he continued. “I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and making sure we treat our citizens as well as anyone, with love and respect. I hope that when people see athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
Ashley Caldwell (L), Christopher Lillis and Justin Schoenefeld (R) pose with their national flags on the podium during the victory ceremony after the freestyle skiing mixed team aerials final at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games at Genting Snow Park A&M Stadium in Zhangjiakou, China. It happened on February 10, 2022. (Ben STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
First-time Olympian Hunter Hess echoed that sentiment, but went further and said he has “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at these Games.
“I think it brings mixed emotions to represent America right now. It’s a little difficult. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.”
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“I think, for me, the most important thing is to represent my friends and family back home, the people who represented it before me, all the things that I think are good about America; if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing them. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in America.”
He continued, “I just want to do it for my friends, my family and the people who support me to get here.”
Hunter Hess reacts during the men’s ski halfpipe final at the Toyota United States Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Aspen, Colorado. It happened on January 9, 2026. (Dustin Satloff/US Ski & Snowboard/Getty Images)
The comments sparked a strong response from Team USA fans on social media.
“Liberal, anti-ICE athletes are already unbearable at the Olympics,” one comment read in part. “If you’re not proud to represent the red, white and blue, stay home.”
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“Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess should be sent home immediately,” another user wrote. “They have insulted our entire nation on the world stage and should no longer be allowed to represent us.”
“You shouldn’t represent America if you hate it here,” another post read. “I am very tired of this anti-American rhetoric.”
Hess competes in men’s freeski halfpipe and Lillis competes in men’s aerials.
