Rob Finnerty criticized Olympic skier Eileen Gu for representing China rather than the United States, despite being born and raised in America.
During his remarks, Finnerty described Gu as an American athlete who chose to compete under the Chinese flag.
“If you’ve watched the Olympics at all, you’ve probably heard about an American superstar skier named Eileen Gu. Born in America, trains in America, raised in California, but Eileen Gu chose to ski for China, America’s biggest adversary, a nation where slavery still exists.”
Gu won two Olympic medals while competing for China.
Finnerty noted that her accomplishments have drawn widespread media attention and commercial success.
“Eileen won two medals, not for America, but for China and everyone loves Eileen. The media cannot get enough of Eileen. She was on the cover of Vogue. She was on the cover of Time Magazine. She’s the highest paid Olympic athlete in history, and everyone is celebrating Eileen Gu instead of calling her what she actually is, a complete and total traitor again.”
Finnerty pointed to Gu’s American citizenship and personal ties to the United States as part of his criticism.
“Eileen Gu, an American citizen, votes in America, lives in America, has a mansion in California, trains in America. This woman competed for China in the Olympics.”
He then stated his view of her decision in blunt terms.
“I’m sorry, this woman is a traitor to her country. She’s still an American, but a traitor.”
Finnerty said he believes the reaction to Gu’s participation has been misplaced.
“But everyone’s going to welcome her home to America when the Olympics are over and somebody needs to call this out. Okay? It’s not okay. It’s not cool. It’s not something we should celebrate.”
He concluded by describing Gu as aligned with the Chinese government.
“Eileen Gu is nothing but a well-paid puppet for the Chinese Communist Party. Boo. Eileen Gu.”
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Gu, who has competed internationally for China while maintaining American ties, has been the subject of ongoing debate regarding dual identity and representation in global sports competitions.
Finnerty’s comments reflect criticism from some conservatives who argue that American-born athletes should represent the United States rather than rival nations.