Enes Kanter Freedom calls Eileen Gu a ‘traitor’ for playing for China despite her American roots
🚨 HOLY CRAP! Former NBA player Enes Kanter just EVISCERATED Olympian Eileen Gu, who competes for China despite being born in America and using our freedoms
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) February 18, 2026
"She's a TRAITOR!"
"She chooses to play for a country responsible for the deaths of tens of MILLIONS of its own people… pic.twitter.com/p11WZDDJZN
WASHINGTON, DC: Former NBA player Enes Kanter Freedom has condemned Olympic skier Eileen Gu, calling her a "traitor" for choosing to represent China instead of the United States.
Although she was born and raised in America, Gu is competing for the Chinese team at the 2026 Winter Olympics, drawing heavy criticism over her loyalty.
Enes Kanter Freedom slams Eileen Gu over China decision
During a recent appearance on Fox News’ ‘Ingraham Angle,’ Enes Kanter Freedom spoke out against Gu's decision to compete for China. He argued that it is wrong for someone who grew up with American freedoms to represent a government known for human rights abuses.
"I'm just going to say it, she's a traitor," Freedom said during the interview.
"She was born in America. She was raised in America, lives in America, and chooses to compete against her own country for, literally, the worst human rights abuser on the planet, China. She built her fame in a free country, and then chooses to represent an authoritarian regime."
He also claimed she is choosing money over morals while "chasing endorsement deals, linked by watching dog groups and mass detention and forced labor camps!"
Enes Kanter Freedom blasts Eileen Gu over China ties
Freedom also stated, "You know, she chooses to play for a country literally responsible for the deaths of tens of MILLIONS of its own people and literally running a concentration camp while we are talking."
JD Vance on Eileen Gu: "I certainly think somebody who grew up in the US, who benefitted from our education system and the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope they would want to compete with the US. So I'm going to root for American athletes… pic.twitter.com/nJcHaJZ8L4
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) February 17, 2026
He argued that she should not get the best of both worlds, saying, "And INSTEAD of the country where she was born and given the opportunity. So, you don't just get to enjoy freedom of US citizenship while acting literally a global PR asset for the Chinese Communist Party. She should definitely pay for the consequences."
It should be noted that Eileen Gu’s decision to compete for China has drawn criticism from American observers for years, as she chose to represent China in 2019.
JD Vance weighs in on Eileen Gu China controversy
Eileen Gu's move has also drawn a response from Vice President JD Vance, who expressed a preference for athletes to represent the country that raised them.
"I certainly think that someone who grew up in the United States of America who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that makes this country a great place, I would hope they want to compete with the United States of America," Vance said.
He emphasized his personal support for Team USA, "So, I'm going to root for American athletes, I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That's who I'm rooting for in this Olympics."
Despite the backlash, Gu has already secured two silver medals in Milan and is scheduled to compete in her final event, the halfpipe.
