MAGA Backlash Against U.S. Olympians Criticizing America

As the 2026 Winter Olympics commenced in Milan, Italy, a significant backlash emerged from MAGA supporters against U.S. athletes expressing criticism of their country. Florida Senator Rick Scott led the charge, stating that athletes who do not wish to represent the United States should be stripped of their Olympic uniforms. His comments were directed at unnamed athletes who have voiced concerns about issues such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) violence and broader societal unrest in the U.S.

Freestyle skier Hunter Hess articulated the mixed emotions many athletes feel, stating, “Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.” Similarly, figure skater Amber Glenn expressed her discontent with the treatment of the LGBTQ+ community under the Trump administration, emphasizing that “politics affects us all.” These sentiments have drawn ire from conservative figures, including Congressman Byron Donalds, who criticized Hess for his remarks, asserting that athletes should either embrace their role or “go home.”

The backlash from MAGA supporters has been intense and widespread. Prominent figures, including boxer Jake Paul and media personality Megyn Kelly, have publicly condemned athletes for their criticisms. Paul stated, “If you don’t want to represent this country go live somewhere else,” while Kelly labeled the athletes' actions as “bulls--t,” arguing that they should not criticize the U.S. while competing internationally.

Other MAGA commentators have echoed these sentiments, with some calling for disqualifications of athletes like Hess for their statements. Conservative columnist Marc Thiessen expressed disdain for athletes discussing politics, claiming it detracts from the Olympic spirit. Additionally, social media has seen a surge of MAGA accounts openly rooting against Team USA, with one user stating, “I’m rooting against our men’s Olympic ski team!”

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the honor of representing the U.S. at the Olympics, stating, “Anyone who feels otherwise should be stripped of their USA Olympic uniform.” This sentiment reflects a broader frustration among MAGA supporters who feel that athletes should embody patriotism while competing on the world stage.

While many MAGA supporters have expressed their discontent, the specific incidents or comments that triggered this backlash have not been uniformly reported. Some athletes have faced calls for disqualification, but the details surrounding these demands remain unclear. Additionally, the extent of financial support from the U.S. government for Olympic athletes has been misrepresented, as federal funding does not directly support their participation.

• “Representing the United States—a beacon for freedom and democracy—at the Olympics is an honor.” — Senator Rick Scott

• “If you don’t want to represent this country go live somewhere else.” — Jake Paul

• “Politics affects us all. It is something I will not just be quiet about,” — Amber Glenn

• “I’d rather us lose with patriots, than win with traitors,” — Graham Allen

As the Olympics progress, the tension between athletes expressing their views and the backlash from MAGA supporters continues to unfold, highlighting the intersection of sports and politics in contemporary America.