Overview
- President Donald Trump called freestyle skier Hunter Hess “a real loser” in a Truth Social post after Hess said representing the U.S. brings “mixed emotions.”
- Hess told reporters he does not feel he represents “everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” while teammate Chris Lillis said he is “heartbroken” and urged respect for rights at home.
- Vice President J.D. Vance received a mixed reception of cheers and boos when shown in the arena during the opening ceremony, despite IOC appeals for respect.
- Protests in Milan followed reports of ICE/HSI personnel advising on U.S. diplomatic security, as the USOPC’s Nicole Deal said no ICE agents are part of the Team USA delegation on the ground.
- Athlete expression has broadened, with Gus Kenworthy posting an explicit anti‑ICE message on Instagram and Team USA rebranding its hospitality site from “Ice House” to “Winter House.”