An Olympic gold medalist who abandoned Team USA for millions in Chinese communist endorsements is facing fierce backlash after criticizing President Trump while refusing to condemn the regime’s human rights atrocities.
Story Snapshot
- Eileen Gu, who ditched the U.S. for China in 2019, criticized Trump’s Olympics remarks while staying silent on Beijing’s genocide and slave labor camps
- Republican figures and activists slammed Gu’s hypocrisy, noting her $23 million in Chinese endorsement deals from firms like Bank of China
- The San Francisco-born skier claimed the controversy “eclipses the Olympics” but ignored her role in legitimizing an authoritarian regime
- Critics highlight Gu enjoys American freedoms while profiting from a government accused of Uyghur genocide and crushing dissent
Choosing Endorsements Over American Values
Eileen Gu sparked intense criticism during the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics after commenting on President Trump’s remarks about U.S. skier Hunter Hess’s “mixed emotions” regarding representing America. The freestyle skier, who was born and raised in San Francisco but switched to compete for China in 2019, told reporters she regretted that political headlines were “eclipsing the Olympics” and contradicting the Games’ spirit of unity. Her comments rang hollow to many Americans who remember her decision to turn her back on the country that trained her, all while banking an estimated $23 million in endorsements from Chinese communist-linked corporations including Bank of China.
Selective Outrage and Conspicuous Silence
What truly infuriates patriots is Gu’s glaring double standard. She finds time to criticize American political figures and express concern about being “caught in the crossfire,” yet consistently refuses to address China’s documented human rights abuses. Former NBA player and activist Enes Kanter Freedom didn’t mince words, calling Gu a “traitor” who “cashed in on forced labor camps.” Republican communications specialist Matt Whitlock pointedly asked whether Gu would speak out against Xi Jinping’s “genocide” and “slavery.” Michael Sobolik of the Hudson Institute observed that Gu will “criticize America but won’t say a word about the CCP,” perfectly capturing her willingness to leverage American freedoms while serving an authoritarian regime’s propaganda interests.
A Pattern of Prioritizing Profit Over Principle
Gu’s trajectory reveals a calculated choice to maximize financial gain regardless of moral considerations. After winning gold medals at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she became China’s “Snow Princess,” helping the communist government promote winter sports to 313 million participants while burnishing the regime’s international image. When asked about human rights or her citizenship status—China officially bans dual citizenship—Gu deflects, claiming she’s “not an expert” and politics are “not about me and my skiing.” This convenient refusal to engage on serious issues stands in stark contrast to her willingness to wade into American political controversies. Her actions demonstrate a troubling reality: American-trained talent enriching itself through partnerships with a regime that persecutes religious minorities, operates forced labor camps, and crushes freedom.
Republican Congressional Candidate That Survived Communist China Hammers Freestyle Skier Eileen Gu Who Snubbed Team USA to Compete for China https://t.co/F3sQo4jGnK #gatewaypundit via @gatewaypundit
— Marajo (@marajo1961) February 13, 2026
The Bigger Picture on Loyalty and Consequences
Gu’s case represents more than one athlete’s questionable choices—it symbolizes a broader erosion of loyalty and principle in favor of globalist profit-seeking. She received world-class training and opportunities in America, benefited from freedoms unavailable to Chinese citizens, then leveraged that privilege to serve Beijing’s interests for a hefty paycheck. This resonates particularly during President Trump’s renewed focus on holding China accountable for trade abuses, intellectual property theft, and human rights violations. The backlash Gu faces reflects Americans’ exhaustion with elites who enjoy constitutional protections while cozying up to authoritarian governments. Her complaints about political “crossfire” sound like crocodile tears from someone who chose her side years ago when she decided American values were worth less than Chinese communist cash.
Sources:
Eileen Gu garners backlash commenting on Trump’s statement while representing China – Fox News
Eileen Gu interview 2026 Olympics – TIME
