Political commentator Tucker Carlson and political advisor Katie Miller in Washington, D.C., U.S., October 14, 2025. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst
Pro-Donald Trump voices on the right erupted Saturday after American athletes voiced concern and disappointment over the state of affairs in the United States, including the ongoing unrest in Minnesota and militarized federal raids in Democratic-led cities around the country.
As a Daily Beast headline reads, “MAGA sent into full meltdown over ‘traitor’ U.S. Olympians.”
Team USA Olympic skier Hunter Hess told a group of reporters he’s experiencing “mixed emotions” while representing the U.S.
“Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S,” Hess said.
In response to Hess’ remarks, conspiracy theorist Jack Posobiec told the Olympic skier, that his frustration with the U.S. can be “Easily solved.”
“Get out,” Posobiec posted.
As AlterNet reported Saturday, “another American skier, Chris Liller, admitted he was ‘heartbroken’ over ‘what’s going on with ICE and the protests.’”
“I think that, as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and treating our citizens, as well as everybody, with love and respect,” Liller said. “I hope that, when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
“Politics affects us all," American Figure skater Amber Glenn told reporters. "It is something I will not just be quiet about."
Podcaster Megyn Kelly took particular offense to Glenn’s remarks, describing her as “another turncoat to root against.”
But MAGA critics are rallying around the Olympians, arguing it is in fact deeply patriotic to criticize the U.S. government.
“How dare you say something bad about America. I’m rooting against America now,” leftist @evanlovesworf humorously posted on X.
Political scientist Ian Bremmer argued that the ability to criticize the U.S. government is what makes the country stand out on the world stage.
“One of the things I most love about the United States is that it’s patriotic to criticize your government when you disagree with it,” Bremmer wrote. “Yes, even if you’re an athlete representing my country at the Olympics. Try that as a Russian or Chinese.”
“The political right remain the most fragile, pathetic snowflakes the world has ever encountered,” T.V. producer Franklin Leonard wrote.
Kate Miller, wife of top Trump aide Stephen Miller, appeared to summarize the far-right’s attitude towards U.S. athletes speaking out against the U.S., writing on X, “If you can’t say you love America while competing on behalf of our nation then you shouldn’t be at the Olympics.”
“That’s not how freedom works,” Emmy-winning reporter Mark Joyella reminded Miller.
