Hunter Hess puts 'L' on forehead after Trump calls him 'loser' at 2026 Olympics

US Olympian Hunter Hess put an 'L' on his forehead after Donald Trump called him a 'loser'. The image went viral during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
By Newsroom | Sports, Politics |

Unpacking the Controversy

The public exchange between U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess and former President Donald Trump, sparked by Hess's remarks about representing the United States, drew significant attention. This interaction highlighted differing views on national pride, free speech, and the role of athletes in political discourse.

Initial Comments and Trump's Reaction

  • February 7, 2026: At a press conference for the 2026 Winter Olympics, U.S. freestyle skier Hunter Hess stated he had "mixed emotions" about representing the United States, citing current administration policies. He also noted, "There is obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t." He also expressed 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."

  • February 8, 2026: Donald Trump responded on his social media platform, Truth Social. He characterized Hess as "a real loser" and stated, "Very hard to root for someone like this. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it." He also used the hashtag "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Hess's Defense and Clarification

  • February 9, 2026: Hunter Hess issued a statement on Instagram and addressed the situation further. He affirmed his pride in representing the United States, stating, "I'm really proud to represent the United States." He also clarified his earlier remarks, explaining that while "there is so much that is great about America," there are "always things that could be better." Hess asserted, "One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out." He added, "The U.S. has given my family so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on." He also acknowledged his personal journey, noting that "skiing has saved my life, time and time again."

  • Hess had previously admitted to experiencing "the hardest two weeks of his life" leading up to this point, emphasizing his dedication to his sport.

Wider Context and Reactions

  • Other members of Team USA freestyle skiing also commented on the political climate. Chris Lillis expressed having "mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now" and feeling "heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States." Quinn Dehlinger commented on the "political divide in the United States" and suggested that "competition and sports is always a way to bring people together."

  • The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee issued a statement ensuring Hess's protection and support, stating, "Our focus is on Hunter’s protection and on ensuring he has the support and resources in place to compete on the world’s largest stage." They had previously released a statement after figure skater Amber Glenn reported receiving hate messages following comments on U.S. politics.

Viral Moment and Spectator Response

  • February 21, 2026: Hunter Hess participated in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Following his competition, he was observed with what appeared to be an "L" drawn on his forehead. This image went viral.

  • Spectators and social media users commented on this action. Some interpreted it as Hess embracing or mocking the "loser" label. However, some observers pointed out that the "L" appeared to be drawn backward. Comments included observations like, "He can’t even get his L the right way around" and "Apparently the genius doesn’t know that the letter ‘L’ faces the other direction." Hess himself had previously stated he would not "let controversy like that get in my way" and aimed to embrace the backlash.

Expert Analysis

"The pressure on Olympians to be apolitical figures is immense, yet they are often drawn into political discussions by the very nature of representing their nation on a global stage. This case illustrates how athletes' personal reflections can become amplified and politicized, particularly when engaging with prominent public figures."— Anonymous Political Analyst, cited in CNN Politics

"Former President Trump's use of social media to criticize athletes is a recurring pattern. It often serves to mobilize his base by framing national symbols and figures through a lens of loyalty and perceived criticism of his own leadership or policies."— Media Watchdog Group, cited in Truthout

Conclusion

The public interaction between Hunter Hess and Donald Trump involved Hess expressing nuanced feelings about representing the U.S. and Trump labeling him a "loser." Hess subsequently defended his right to voice opinions while reaffirming his pride in his country. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee provided assurances of support and protection for Hess. Later, an image of Hess with an "L" on his forehead went viral, prompting various interpretations and commentary from the public. The evidence indicates that Hess's initial comments and Trump's subsequent reaction led to a public debate concerning patriotism, free expression, and the challenges athletes face in navigating political commentary.

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did US Olympian Hunter Hess draw an 'L' on his forehead on February 21, 2026?
Hunter Hess drew an 'L' on his forehead after former President Donald Trump called him a 'loser' on February 8, 2026. The image went viral during the 2026 Winter Olympics, with some seeing it as a response to the controversy.
Q: What did Hunter Hess say on February 7, 2026, that started the issue with Donald Trump?
Hunter Hess said he had 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics press conference. He mentioned current policies and the need for respect and rights for all citizens.
Q: How did Donald Trump react to Hunter Hess's comments on February 8, 2026?
Donald Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Hunter Hess 'a real loser' and saying he shouldn't have tried out for the Team if he felt that way. He also used the hashtag 'MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'.
Q: What was Hunter Hess's response to Donald Trump's criticism on February 9, 2026?
Hunter Hess clarified his earlier remarks in a statement on Instagram, saying he was proud to represent the United States but believed in the freedom to point out areas for improvement. He affirmed his love for America and its opportunities.
Q: Did other Team USA athletes comment on the situation in February 2026?
Yes, other members of Team USA freestyle skiing, like Chris Lillis and Quinn Dehlinger, also shared their feelings about the political climate and the importance of sports bringing people together.
Q: What was the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee's stance in February 2026?
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee stated they were focused on Hunter Hess's protection and ensuring he had the support needed to compete. This followed a similar situation with figure skater Amber Glenn.