Amber Glenn, a prominent figure skater representing Team USA, has announced her decision to take a hiatus from social media following a surge of hostile reactions. Her criticism of Donald Trump’s stance on LGBTQ+ issues has sparked an overwhelming amount of negativity.
As the first openly queer woman to represent the United States in Olympic figure skating, Glenn highlighted the repercussions of the Trump administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ individuals during a press conference at the Winter Games in Italy.
The 26-year-old athlete expressed the struggles faced by the community, emphasizing her desire to leverage her platform to inspire resilience among her peers.
However, in the wake of her comments on the nation’s political climate, Glenn has decided to withdraw from her social media presence due to receiving threats.
In an Instagram post, she explained, “I chose to exercise one of the United States’ greatest freedoms—freedom of speech—to express my feelings as an athlete representing Team USA during challenging times for many Americans. Unfortunately, I’m now facing a frightening level of hate and threats simply for voicing my opinion when asked.”
She added, “Although I expected some backlash, it is disheartening. For my own well-being, I will reduce my social media activity for now but remain committed to speaking out for what I believe in.”
Team USA figure skater Amber Glenn (left) has revealed she is taking a break from social media after receiving a ‘scary amount of hate’ for condemning Donald Trump
Glenn, the first openly-queer woman to compete for the US in Olympic figure skating, addressed the impact of the Trump administration’s policies on LGBTQ+ Americans
But just days later she has taken a step back from social media after being targeted by trolls
Glenn’s comments come after Trump signed an executive order in early 2025 banning transgender women from competing against biological females in sporting competitions. His administration has also introduced measures which impact how federal agencies address health care programs and policies affecting LGBTQ+ Americans.
During her press conference earlier this week, Glenn also spoke about the importance of using her platform to raise political issues.
‘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,’ she said. ‘It’s 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.’
Glenn is not the first Team USA athlete to hit out at Trump before the Winter Olympics, with skiers Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess sparking uproar by claiming they have mixed emotions about representing America at the Milan-Cortina Games.
Aerials specialist Lillis, who said he was ‘heartbroken’ by immigration enforcement operations back home 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, meanwhile, admitted he has mixed emotions about competing for USA amid the tumultuous political climate, saying: ‘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.’
USA skiers Hunter Hess (left) and Chris Lillis (right) have also taken a swipe at Trump this week
The pair said they are conflicted about representing the country amid ICE operations in the US
The pair’s critical remarks have left a number of Americans seething, with several fans urging Team USA to send them home after their ‘anti-American’ rant.
‘You shouldn’t be representing the U.S.A. if you hate it here,’ said one user on X. ‘So tired of this Anti-American rhetoric.’
Another posted: ‘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.’
‘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,’ fumed a third.
‘I’d say, “you’re off the team. Pack up and get your a** home.” No ifs, ands, or buts,’ a fourth wrote.
While another put: ‘The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics. If you’re not proud to represent the red, white, & blue, stay home.’
