American freestyle skier Hunter Hess is facing widespread criticism after remarks at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics in which he suggested that wearing the U.S. flag does not mean fully representing the country. The comments, made during a media availability ahead of opening ceremonies, were widely viewed as disrespectful to the nation he is competing for on the world stage.

Hess, a first-time Olympian, said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States amid ongoing immigration enforcement under President Donald Trump’s second term. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” Hess said, adding that he felt he was primarily competing for friends and family rather than the country itself.

Two-time Olympian Chris Lillis also criticized the administration’s policies but emphasized that he would never represent another nation. Hess, however, went further by explicitly separating himself from the United States while continuing to compete under its flag, a move that sparked immediate backlash from Team USA supporters and prominent figures.

Olympic hockey legend Mike Eruzione, captain of the 1980 “Miracle on Ice” team, sharply rebuked Hess for his remarks. “Then don’t put on the USA uniform,” Eruzione wrote on social media. “Some athletes just don’t get it.”

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., echoed that sentiment, saying Hess made a conscious choice to represent the country. “YOU chose to wear our flag. YOU chose to represent our country,” Donalds wrote. “If that’s too hard for you, then go home. Some things are bigger than politics.”

Patriots across social media accused Hess of using the Olympic platform to air political grievances while benefiting from the honor of representing the United States.

Several called his remarks anti-American and questioned why an athlete who openly distances himself from the nation should be allowed to compete under its banner.

Hess, a native of Oregon and a member of the U.S. national team since 2017, is competing in men’s freeski halfpipe. Lillis is competing in men’s aerials. Despite the criticism, neither athlete has walked back the remarks, which continue to fuel outrage as the Games get underway.