MILANO, Italy – In the frosty arenas of the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, where spins and jumps captivate global audiences, Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn has ignited a firestorm far beyond the ice. The 26-year-old three-time U.S. national champion, known for her graceful quadruple jumps and unyielding determination, used a post-competition press conference to voice sharp criticisms of the Trump administration’s policies toward the LGBTQ+ community.

Her words, delivered with poise amid the Olympic spotlight, have divided fans, sparking what some are calling a “patriotic outrage” – with a vocal segment of Americans openly rooting against their own country for the first time in recent memory.

Glenn’s comments came after a stellar performance in the women’s short program on February 7, 2026, where she placed third, positioning her strongly for a medal. But instead of focusing solely on her athletic feats, the openly queer athlete shifted the conversation to broader societal issues. “Yeah, it’s been a hard time for the community overall under this administration,” Glenn told reporters gathered in the media center at the Stadio Olimpico del Ghiaccio.

“It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights, and now especially, it’s not just affecting the queer community but many other communities.”

Her statement referenced ongoing debates in the U.S. over policies related to transgender rights, marriage equality, and protections against discrimination – issues that have intensified since Donald Trump’s return to the White House in January 2025.

Glenn emphasized solidarity: “I think that we are able to support each other in a way that we didn’t have to before, and because of that, it’s made us a lot stronger.” She pledged to use her Olympic platform to inspire resilience: “I hope I can use my platform and my voice throughout these Games to try and encourage people to stay strong in these hard times.”

The backlash was swift and unrelenting. Social media platforms exploded with hashtags like #ShutUpAndSkate and #StickToSports, echoing a long-standing sentiment among some sports fans that athletes should avoid political commentary. One viral tweet from a self-proclaimed patriot read: “Amber Glenn is representing AMERICA, not her personal agenda. If she hates the country so much, why compete for it? Rooting for anyone but USA now.” Another user, with over 100,000 followers, posted: “This is the Olympics, not a protest rally.

Disgraceful.” Polls on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) showed a split: 45% of respondents supported Glenn’s right to speak out, while 55% felt she should focus on skating.

This isn’t the first time athletes have waded into politics at the Olympics. Historical parallels abound, from Muhammad Ali’s refusal to fight in Vietnam to the raised fists of Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the 1968 Mexico City Games. More recently, NBA stars like LeBron James and WNBA players have used their fame to advocate for social justice. But Glenn’s timing – during an event symbolizing national unity – has amplified the controversy. “Politics affect us all,” she retorted to critics.

“It is something that I will not just be quiet about because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives. So, of course, there are things that I disagree with, but as a community we are strong, and we support each other, and brighter days are ahead of us.”

Supporters have rallied around Glenn, praising her courage. LGBTQ+ advocacy groups like the Human Rights Campaign issued statements of solidarity. “Amber Glenn is a trailblazer not just on the ice but in standing up for what’s right,” said HRC President Kelley Robinson in a press release. “Her words remind us that human rights are non-negotiable, even in the arena of sports.” Fellow athletes, including retired figure skater Adam Rippon, who came out as gay during his career, tweeted: “Proud of @AmberGlenn for using her voice. The Olympics are about more than medals – they’re about humanity.”

Yet, the divide runs deep. Conservative commentators on networks like Fox News have labeled Glenn’s remarks as “unpatriotic” and “divisive.” Host Tucker Carlson, in a segment aired on February 8, 2026, argued: “When you’re wearing the stars and stripes, your job is to win for America, not whine about it. This kind of talk alienates fans and dishonors the flag.” Even some moderate voices expressed concern that her comments could overshadow Team USA’s achievements, potentially affecting sponsorships and viewership.

Glenn’s journey to this moment has been one of resilience. Born in Plano, Texas, she began skating at age five and rose through the ranks despite injuries and setbacks. As the first openly queer woman to win the U.S. national title in 2024, she has long been a symbol of progress in a sport often criticized for its conservative culture. Her Olympic debut in 2022 was marred by COVID protocols, but in 2026, she’s emerged as a medal contender, blending technical prowess with artistic flair.

Off the ice, Glenn has been an advocate for mental health and inclusivity, partnering with organizations like GLAAD.

The controversy highlights a broader tension in American society: the intersection of sports and politics in a polarized era. A 2025 Pew Research Center survey found that 62% of Americans believe athletes should speak out on issues they care about, up from 48% in 2018. However, the same poll revealed stark partisan divides – 78% of Democrats agree, compared to just 42% of Republicans. This schism is evident in the Olympic backlash, where Glenn’s critics often align with Trump supporters who view her comments as an attack on the administration’s “America First” agenda.

Trump himself has not directly addressed Glenn’s remarks, but his administration’s spokespeople have dismissed them. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, in a briefing on February 8, stated: “The President respects all athletes representing our nation. But the focus should be on unity and excellence at the Games.” Meanwhile, Olympic officials have remained neutral, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) reiterating its policy allowing athletes to express views in press conferences, as long as they don’t disrupt competitions.

As the Olympics continue, Glenn’s story underscores the evolving role of athletes in public discourse. Will her words inspire change, or will they cost her support? For now, the ice remains her domain, but the echoes of her voice reverberate far beyond Milano’s mountains. Fans are left to grapple with a uncomfortable truth: in 2026, rooting for gold might mean navigating shades of red, white, and blue division.

Looking ahead, Glenn is set to compete in the free skate on February 9. Regardless of the outcome, her legacy may be defined as much by her advocacy as her axels. In a nation wrestling with its identity, Amber Glenn refuses to “shut up and skate” – and whether that’s heroic or hubristic depends on where you stand.