What Next | Daily News and Analysis Trump Can’t Ruin These Olympics
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Feb 15, 2026 Justin Peters, Slate correspondent covering the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics and author of The Idealist. He talks about why he still loves the Games despite their flaws. They debate whether Donald Trump can dominate the Olympics narrative. Conversation covers athletes speaking on U.S. politics, IOC rules on protests, crowd reactions, and what a politicized 2028 U.S. Games might look like.
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Olympics: Spectacle With A Cost
- The Olympics are simultaneously inspiring and deeply harmful to host communities due to expensive projects that deliver little local benefit.
- Justin Peters argues the games project state power and create major negative footprints despite their spectacle.
Ordinary Athlete, Extraordinary Backlash
- Hunter Hess, a relatively unknown U.S. freestyle skier, said wearing the flag doesn't mean he represents everything happening in the U.S.
- His modest comment drew a personal attack from President Trump, proving small athlete remarks can explode into major political stories.
Silencing Sparks More Speech
- Attempts to silence athletes often have the opposite effect, prompting other competitors to speak out in solidarity.
- High-profile responses show athlete comments can broaden the conversation rather than shut it down.
