Criticism by Olympic athletes of Trump mirror reaction to 1968 protest - Los Angeles Times

Los Angeles Times

by Greg Braxton

February 14, 2026

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The recent criticisms of U.S. Olympic athletes towards President Trump and his administration’s policies have drawn parallels to the iconic 1968 Black Power protest by Tommie Smith and John Carlos at the Mexico City Olympics. As the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina unfold, athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin and Hunter Hess have expressed discomfort representing the U.S. amid political unrest, including ICE actions and attacks on immigrants and LGBTQ+ rights. Their comments have sparked backlash from Trump and Vice President JD Vance, who argue that athletes should focus on sports rather than politics. The documentary *Fists of Freedom* highlights Smith and Carlos’ 1968 protest, where they raised black-gloved fists during the medal ceremony to symbolize resistance against racial injustice. Their act, though controversial, became a defining moment in Olympic history, inspiring both admiration and criticism. Similarly, today’s athletes are navigating a complex landscape of patriotism, politics, and social justice. While there are similarities between the two eras—athletes using their platform to address societal issues—the outcomes differ significantly. Smith and Carlos faced direct consequences within their community, whereas modern athletes encounter broader, national debates about free speech and representation. The comparison underscores how political statements at the Olympics continue to resonate and spark conversations about identity, justice, and national pride. This issue matters because it reflects ongoing tensions between sports as a unifying force and its role in addressing social issues. Athletes’ expressions of dissent challenge traditional notions of patriotism and highlight the interplay between individual conscience and collective identity. By revisiting historical precedents like 1968, we gain insight into how societal values evolve and are contested through global events.

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Originally published on Los Angeles Times on 2/14/2026