Athletes representing Team USA at the upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics have voiced their concerns over the current political environment in the United States, particularly criticizing the policies of Donald Trump's administration. While they profess their love for the U.S. flag, the 232-member delegation includes numerous athletes who find much to disagree with regarding immigration issues and the administration's handling of protests. Freeski athlete Hunter Hess has been particularly vocal, expressing his "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S., underscoring the challenge of reconciling personal values with national representation.

Hunter emphasized that his participation is more about honoring his friends, family, and the positive aspects of the U.S. than endorsing current political actions. He made it clear in a recent press conference that carrying the flag doesn't denote agreement with everything happening in the country. His remarks highlight a broader sentiment among the athletes, who feel torn between their national pride and disapproval of some of the country's political choices, indicating a significant shift in how athletes perceive their roles as representatives of the U.S.

These statements have attracted criticism from political commentators and staff aligned with Trump's administration, who minimized the athletes' critiques as politically motivated and of little consequence to the greater American sentiment. The athletes’ expressions of dissent not only raise questions about the intersection of sports and politics but also reflect a generational shift in how younger athletes approach their role in the socio-political landscape, suggesting a growing trend among sports figures to engage in political discourse and advocate for change beyond the confines of their athletic careers.