Trump calls freestyle skier a 'real loser' over 'mixed emotions' about representing Team USA
President Donald Trump has sharply rebuked US freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the Olympian said he harboured “mixed emotions” about representing the United States amid heightened political turmoil.
Hess, speaking at a press conference in Italy ahead of his events at the Milan–Cortina Winter Games, noted that the country’s ongoing unrest had complicated how he felt about wearing the national colours.
Hess’ remarks spark political backlash
Asked about competing for the US during a period marked by controversial immigration raids and domestic tension, Hess said: “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t.”
He added: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US,” describing the moment as one that “brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now.”
His comments, unusual but not unprecedented among athletes in recent years, drew swift criticism from conservative politicians – most notably Trump.
Trump calls Hess a ‘real loser’
Posting on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it. Very hard to root for someone like this.”
The rebuke followed a similar response from Republican congressman Tim Burchett, who said on X that Hess should “shut up and go play in the snow.”
Olympics reflect America’s domestic tensions
The Milan–Cortina Games have become a flashpoint for broader US political debates. Italian spectators have expressed frustration over the presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel accompanying American athletes – an unusual measure linked to heightened security concerns.
ICE has faced intense protest at home after agents fatally shot two people in Minneapolis last month.
Vice President JD Vance was also booed during the opening ceremony, further underscoring the charged atmosphere.
Other Team USA athletes express concern
Hess was not alone in voicing discomfort. Fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis used the same press conference to condemn recent actions by ICE, saying he felt “heartbroken.”
“I think that as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody with love and respect,” Lillis said. “And I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America that we’re trying to represent.”
Figure skating champion Amber Glenn, who publicly came out in 2019, said she planned to step back from social media after receiving what she described as “a scary amount of hate/threats” following comments about the LGBTQ community’s challenges under the Trump administration.
“It’s been a hard time for the community overall and this administration,” she said. “It isn’t the first time that we’ve had to come together as a community and try and fight for our human rights.”
Shiffrin emphasises values amid divided climate
Two-time Olympic champion Mikaela Shiffrin responded more broadly when asked about competing for the US in the current environment. She read a Nelson Mandela quote on equality and added: “For me, as this related to the Olympics, I really hope to show up and represent my own values. Of diversity, and kindness, and sharing. Tenacity, work ethic, showing up with my team every single day.”
USOPC pledges support for athletes
The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee said it was working with law enforcement to address abusive messages directed at athletes and reiterated its support.
“The USOPC stands firmly behind Team USA athletes and remains committed to their well-being and safety, both on and off the field of play,” the organisation said.
(With inputs from AFP)