February 9, 2026
Chloe Kim defends teammate after Trump calls him a loser
Olympic snowboarder backs free speech as Trump attacks skier
🔐Ethics
Hunter Hesse spoke at a Feb. 6 Team USA press conference in Milan at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremonies. He said it brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now given what's happening with immigration enforcement. He clarified that wearing the flag doesn't mean he represents everything going on in the U.S.
Trump posted on Truth Social on Feb. 8 calling Hesse a real loser. He wrote that if Hesse doesn't want to represent his country, he shouldn't have tried out for the team. The president said it's very hard to root for someone like this and ended with MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN.
Chloe Kim held a press conference on Feb. 9 where reporters asked about Trump's attack. Kim said her parents are immigrants, so this hits close to home. She said it's important to unite and stand up for one another for all that's going on. She said she's proud to represent the United States.
Maddie Mastro said she's proud to represent the U.S. but also saddened by what's happening at home. She said it's really tough and they can't turn a blind eye to it. Madeline Schaffrick said the Olympics is about all countries and cultures coming together in celebration. Bea Kim also spoke in support of Hesse.
Hesse posted on Instagram on Feb. 9 responding to Trump. He wrote that he loves his country and there's so much great about America, but there are always things that could be better. He said one thing that makes America amazing is having the right and freedom to point that out. He said the Olympics brings people together when so many are divided.
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee released a statement on Feb. 9. They said they stand firmly behind Team USA athletes and remain committed to their well-being and safety, both on and off the field of play. This was their first public response to Trump's attack.
Fellow Team USA freestyle skier Chris Lillis also expressed concerns at the Feb. 6 press conference. He said he feels heartbroken about what's happening in the United States. He said as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody's rights and treating citizens with love and respect.
White House chief of protocol Monica Crowley reposted Trump's attack on Feb. 8. She wrote represent America with pride or GTFO. Katie Miller, wife of White House aide Stephen Miller, wrote on Feb. 7 that if you can't say you love America while competing on behalf of our nation, you shouldn't be at the Olympics.
🔐Ethics
People, bills, and sources
Chloe Kim
U.S. Olympic snowboarder, two-time gold medalist
Hunter Hesse
U.S. Olympic freestyle skier from Bend, Oregon
Donald Trump
President of the United States
Maddie Mastro
U.S. Olympic snowboarder
Chris Lillis
U.S. Olympic freestyle skier
Monica Crowley
White House chief of protocol
What you can do
1
civic action
Contact the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee about athlete free speech protections
The USOPC issued a statement supporting athletes but hasn't specified what protections exist. Athletes face federal funding decisions and public attacks from the president. Asking for clear policies on athlete speech rights ensures consistent protection.
I'm calling to ask what specific protections the USOPC provides for athletes who exercise free speech rights. Hunter Hesse faced presidential attacks for expressing concerns about government policies. Your Feb. 9 statement said you stand behind athletes, but what does that mean in practice? Will you protect athletes from funding cuts or team removal if they speak out? Can you create clear written policies so athletes know their rights?
2
civic action
Support organizations defending athlete speech rights
Athletes face unique pressure because they represent America internationally while depending on federal funding. Organizations like the Knight First Amendment Institute work on free speech cases. Supporting these groups strengthens legal protections for all Americans who face government retaliation for speech.
3
civic action
Contact your representative about protecting Olympic athlete speech
Congress controls federal Olympic funding through the Ted Stevens Olympic and Amateur Sports Act. Members can press the USOPC to create clear protections. They can also investigate whether the White House is using funding as leverage to silence athletes.
I'm calling about Olympic athletes facing attacks for exercising free speech. Hunter Hesse expressed concerns about government policies and the president called him a loser. This creates a chilling effect where athletes fear retaliation. Will you support protections ensuring athletes can speak without losing funding or team positions? Will you investigate whether the administration is using federal funding as leverage to silence athletes?