Trump’s Olympic Cheerleaders Ignore The Ugly Truths of His Toxicity

Larry Moore’s recent letter to the Santa Clarita Valley Signal attempts to paint a rosy picture of President Trump’s relationship with American Olympians. He dismisses critical voices as a tiny minority—just three out of 232 athletes—and lauds scenes like the men’s hockey team celebrating with FBI Director Kash Patel after beating Canada. But this cheerleading ignores the broader, darker reality of the Trump administration’s toxicity.

Let’s be clear: the FBI under Kash Patel is not just a hockey fan showing support. Patel’s tenure has been marked by loyalty purges, politicization of law enforcement, and weaponizing federal agencies against political opponents. His presence in the locker room, drinking beer with athletes, is a stark example of how deeply Trump’s loyalists have infiltrated institutions meant to serve justice, not politics.

Moore’s dismissal of Chloe Kim’s concerns about mass deportations and violence as “CNN lies” is a dangerous denial of reality. Kim’s parents are legal immigrants who understand the stakes. Trump’s immigration policies have been brutal, causing widespread fear and suffering among immigrant communities. This isn’t about partisan media bias—it’s about human rights abuses documented by countless reports.

The letter also conveniently ignores athletes like Eileen Gu, who chose to compete for China, highlighting the complex global dynamics at play. Gu’s decision shines a light on America’s diplomatic failures and the allure of authoritarian regimes willing to pay millions for prestige—something the Trump administration’s cozy ties to foreign adversaries only exacerbate.

Larry Moore’s claim that 99% of Olympians showed pride in America under Trump is misleading. Pride in one’s country does not require blind loyalty to a corrupt and authoritarian leader. Many athletes have courageously spoken out against the administration’s attacks on democracy, civil rights, and the rule of law.

We cannot let Trump’s propaganda rewrite the truth about his toxic legacy. The Olympics are about more than medals and anthems—they are a stage where the fight for justice and accountability must continue.