Story perspectives
Olympic Hopefuls Face Backlash Over Patriotism Remarks
2/8/2026
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Story summary
- Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess drew backlash for comments about representing the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics amid immigration enforcement under U.S. President Donald Trump.
- Lillis expressed heartbreak and urged respect for all citizens.
- Hess said he has mixed feelings about representing the United States and wants to honor friends and family, while social-media users labeled them unpatriotic.
