Transport Secretary's Daughter Advocates for Patriotism Screening of US Olympic Competitors
Evita Duffy-Alfonso, the daughter of Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, has ignited a contentious national discussion by proposing that Team USA implement a patriotism vetting process for athletes before they are selected to represent the United States at international sporting events like the Winter Olympics. The freelance journalist made her provocative remarks during an appearance on Newsmax's Carl Higbie Frontline programme on Wednesday 18 February 2026.
Controversial Comments Target Critical Athletes
Duffy-Alfonso's comments specifically referenced figure skater Amber Glenn, a decorated athlete who secured gold in the team event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games but experienced a disappointing individual performance. The discussion focused on Glenn's previous criticisms of President Donald Trump's administration, with Duffy-Alfonso enthusiastically endorsing the host's suggestion that the skater should have concentrated on her athletic performance rather than political commentary.
"I don't know why we don't start vetting these Olympians before they actually start to represent us overseas for their patriotism," Duffy-Alfonso declared during the broadcast. She further cited an article by Shawn Fleetwood of The Federalist, arguing that "the patriotic thing to do is actually to root against these unpatriotic Olympians because they're going out bashing us."
Duffy-Alfonso questioned the logic of supporting athletes who express political dissent, stating emphatically: "Why should we cheer for them? Why should we want them to win? It's absurd."
Athletes Face Backlash for Political Statements
The controversy stems from pre-Olympic comments made by Amber Glenn, who expressed concern about the challenging political climate for the LGBTQ+ community under the Trump administration since his return to power in January 2025. Glenn revealed she subsequently received threatening messages on social media, stating: "I was disappointed because I've never had so many people wish me harm before, just for being me and speaking about being decent – human rights and decency."
Other Team USA members have also voiced criticism of the administration during the Games. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess acknowledged the complexity of representing the United States under current political circumstances, explaining: "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think 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."
Hess emphasized that wearing the national flag doesn't signify endorsement of all government policies, noting: "Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S." His comments prompted a swift and harsh response from President Trump, who labelled Hess a "real loser" on Truth Social and suggested the athlete shouldn't have made the team.
Political Figures Weigh In on the Debate
The controversy has drawn reactions from prominent political figures across the spectrum. Vice President JD Vance, who faced booing from spectators when attending the Games, admonished athletes for political commentary, stating: "You're not there to pop off about politics. So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback."
Ohio Republican Representative Jim Jordan, a former college wrestling coach, echoed this sentiment, telling The Hill that criticizing the administration while representing the country "makes no sense." He emphasized the honour of Olympic representation, calling political rebukes of the Trump administration "ridiculous."
In contrast, Delaware Democratic Senator Chris Coons defended the athletes' right to express political views and criticized the president's response. "Who does that? What president in the middle of the Olympics... attacks his own country's athletes?" Coons questioned. He articulated an alternative view of patriotism, asserting: "There is nothing more patriotic than questioning your own country when its leadership makes decisions that are so sharply out of line with our values and traditions."
Athletes Show Solidarity Amid Controversy
Snowboarder Chloe Kim publicly supported Hess, connecting the administration's immigration policies to her personal experience as the daughter of immigrants. "I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that's going on," Kim stated, while affirming her pride in representing the United States.
Curler Rich Ruohonen also criticized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions in his home state of Minnesota, where federal agents fatally shot two civilians in January. Ruohonen described the incidents as "wrong" and stated there were "no shades of gray" about what had occurred.
The debate surrounding patriotism vetting for Olympic athletes continues to intensify, raising fundamental questions about the intersection of sports, politics, and national representation in contemporary American society.
