US Figure Skater Amber Glenn Steps Back from Social Media Following Trump Criticism Backlash
Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn has announced she is taking a significant break from social media platforms after receiving what she describes as a 'scary amount of hate' for publicly condemning former President Donald Trump's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community. The 26-year-old athlete, who made history as the first openly-queer woman to compete for the United States in Olympic figure skating, revealed the decision in a heartfelt Instagram post.
Political Commentary at Winter Games Press Conference
Glenn's social media withdrawal comes just days after she addressed reporters at a press conference for the Winter Games in Italy. During that appearance, she spoke candidly about the impact of the Trump administration's policies on LGBTQ+ Americans, describing it as a 'hard time' for the community. She emphasized her desire to use her platform to 'try and encourage people to stay strong' during challenging political circumstances.
In her Instagram statement, Glenn wrote: 'When I chose to utilize one of the amazing things about the United States of America (Freedom of speech) to convey how I feel as an athlete competing for Team USA in a troubling time for many Americans I am now receiving a scary amount of hate/threats for simply using my voice WHEN ASKED about how I feel.'
She continued: 'I did anticipate this but I am disappointed by it. I will be limiting my time on social media for my own wellbeing for now but I will never stop using my voice for what I believe in.'
Context of Trump Administration Policies
Glenn's comments reference specific actions taken during Trump's presidency that have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. In early 2025, Trump signed an executive order banning transgender women from competing against biological females in sporting competitions. His administration also implemented measures affecting how federal agencies address healthcare programs and policies impacting LGBTQ+ Americans.
During her press conference, Glenn defended athletes' right to speak out on political matters: 'I know that a lot of people will say, "You're just an athlete, stick to your job and shut up about politics," but politics affects us all. It's something that I will not just be quiet about, because it is something that affects us in our everyday lives.'
Broader Pattern of Athlete Activism
Glenn is not the only Team USA athlete to express political reservations ahead of the Winter Olympics. American skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess have also generated controversy by admitting they have mixed emotions about representing the United States at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Aerials specialist Lillis, who said he was 'heartbroken' by immigration enforcement operations in the US, argued that America must 'focus on respecting everybody's rights and making sure we're treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect.'
Hess similarly acknowledged his conflicted feelings: 'It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't. Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.'
Public Backlash Against Critical Athletes
The critical remarks from these athletes have sparked significant backlash from some American fans. On social media platform X, numerous users have called for Team USA to remove the athletes from competition.
One user commented: 'You shouldn't be representing the U.S.A. if you hate it here. So tired of this Anti-American rhetoric.' Another wrote: 'Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess should be sent back home immediately. They have insulted our entire nation on the world stage and should no longer be allowed to represent us.'
A third critic fumed: 'I won't watch the Olympics anymore or support @TeamUSA if they can't just be athletes and proudly represent their country on the world stage without opining their own stances on political issues that have no place in sports. This is beyond disgusting and embarrassing.'
Other comments included: 'I'd say, "you're off the team. Pack up and get your a** home." No ifs, ands, or buts,' and 'The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics. If you're not proud to represent the red, white, & blue, stay home.'
Despite the controversy and personal attacks, Glenn remains committed to advocacy. She concluded her statement with determination: '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.'
