Team USA athletes spark backlash after attacking America, ICE at Winter Olympics

ITALY, MILAN: Team USA athletes competing at the 2026 Winter Olympics are facing growing online backlash after several spoke out against the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, including the role of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

The criticism has prompted some social media users to call for athletes who speak negatively about the United States to be sent home, arguing that they should not represent the country if they publicly condemn government policies on an international stage.

Several athletes have used interviews and social media platforms ahead of their events to express concerns about immigration enforcement, with some specifically referencing situations in Minnesota and other parts of the country.

Athletes who have publicly shared criticism include cross-country skiing gold medalist Jessie Diggins of Minnesota, two-time Olympian and gold medalist Chris Lillis, first-time Olympian Hunter Hess, alpine skier Mikaela Shiffrin, Minnesota hockey player Kelly Pannek, snowboarder Stacy Gaskill, and Team GB skier Gus Kenworthy, among others

Team USA faces online pressure following ICE criticism at Winter Olympics

Some users have voiced anger over what they view as athletes “trashing” the United States while competing abroad. Calls to send athletes home have spread across X, with critics arguing that representing the country comes with an obligation to avoid public political commentary.

One account, Republican Patriots, wrote that any US Olympic athlete who criticizes America should be immediately removed from the Games, adding that such athletes do not deserve to represent the nation.

Another user wrote, “How dare any of these US Olympic athletes trash the United States on the world stage of competition. Where’s the plane ready to take these spoiled brats home? They should’ve been warned to STFU & win medals because otherwise, they don’t deserve to wear old glory on their sleeve.”

'@TeamUSA as we swell with pride when the games approach. Then are deflated as our athletes talk shit about our nation. Send them the fuck home. Hope Italy does great in their host games" shares one more user.

A separate post stated, “@TeamUSA as we swell with pride when the games approach. Then are deflated as our athletes talk s**t about our nation. Send them the f**k home. Hope Italy does great in their host games."

"These athletes represent the USA 🇺🇸 IF THEY TRASH IT SEND THEM  HOME!!!!! THEY DO NOT REPRESENT ME, SCUMBAG WHINY BABIES COULDN’T BE A PIMPLE ON ONE OF THOSE ICE OFFICERS ASSESS, IM EMBARRASSED FOR MY COUNTRY WITH SHIT LIKE THAT REPRESENTING US 🇺🇸," another one shares. 

Vance booed at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony

Political tensions surrounding Team USA were also visible during the opening ceremony, where Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance were reportedly met with loud boos as the American team entered the stadium.

Video circulating online has sparked debate, with some users claiming cheering was louder than the boos, while others insist the reaction was negative. Vance has not publicly commented on the moment.

The incident was later relayed to President Trump while he was traveling to Mar-a-Lago, with Trump reportedly saying he was surprised by the reaction.

Meanwhile, a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson confirmed that ICE agents would be present at the Games, adding another layer of political tension to the event.