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American freestyle skiers are facing intense backlash on social media after comments about representing the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics amid the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement efforts in the United States.
Speaking to the media before Friday’s opening ceremony, several members of the Team USA freestyle ski team said they will represent the United States as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations continue to be conducted during 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 Ski World Cup at Beidahu Ski Resort, Jilin city, Jilin province, China. This happened on February 23, 2025. (Yan Linyun/Xinhua via Getty Images)
Chris Lillis, a two-time Olympian and Olympic gold medalist, 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 another country in the Olympics. That being said, athletes are often hesitant to talk about their political views and how we feel about things.
“I’m heartbroken by what’s happening in the United States — I’m pretty sure you’re referring to ICE and some protests and things like that,” he continued. “I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everyone’s rights and making sure that we treat our citizens, as well as everyone else, with love and respect. I hope that when people watch the athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that this is the America we are 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. This happened on February 10, 2022. (Ben STANSALL/AFP via Getty Images)
Hunter Hess, a first-time Olympics participant, echoed that sentiment but went further, saying he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States at these Games.
“Representing the United States right now brings mixed emotions, I think. 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, I’m more representing my friends and family back home, the people who represented them before me, all the things that I believe are good about the United States – if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing them. Just because I’m carrying the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the United States.”
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. This happened on January 9, 2026. (Dustin Satloff/American Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)
These remarks sparked a strong reaction from supporters of the American team on social networks.
“Liberal anti-ICE athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics,” one comment read in part. “If you are 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 the United States if you hate being here,” another message read. “I’m so tired of this anti-American rhetoric.”
Hess competes in the men’s freeski halfpipe and Lillis competes in the men’s aerials.
