January 1, Olympic Skiers Slammed for Criticizing ICE

Wyatt’s Take

• Some Team USA skiers say wearing the flag doesn’t mean they back all U.S. actions.
• Fans fired back, questioning their loyalty and right to represent America.
• Many Americans say Olympians should show pride in the country they represent.

Several U.S. freestyle skiers at the Winter Olympics spoke out against ICE and tried to distance themselves from the Trump administration’s policies. Hunter Hess said, just because he was “wearing the flag” didn’t mean he stood for “everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now,” Hess said. “It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it — just because I’m wearing the flag, doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Chris Lillis and Hess, speaking in Milan, claimed ICE actions don’t reflect the nation they want to represent at the Olympics. Social media erupted with backlash, as many called for Hess and others to leave Team USA.

“If he doesn’t like the flag and what it represents, he is welcome to find another country,” one person wrote on X. “We don’t care.”

Another added, “I’m thinking the Olympics TV ratings aren’t going to be phenomenal.”

Presidential Envoy Richard Grenell posted, “He’s representing the greatest country in the world…move to Canada if you aren’t proud of wear USA.”

Ordinary Americans say if athletes want to wear the uniform, they should respect America and its values on the world stage.

Want to keep hearing the real heartland view on our country’s biggest issues? Stay tuned for more straight talk, no spin.

Wyatt Matters

Representing America means showing respect for what our flag stands for. Folks in the heartland take great pride in their country, and expect the same from athletes on the world stage.

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