Donald Trump Calls Skier Hunter Hess a 'Loser' After Comments on Representing the U.S.

Former President Donald Trump has spoken out against American skier Hunter Hess. Hess had said he felt 'mixed emotions' about representing the U.S. at the Winter Olympics due to current events. Trump called Hess a 'loser' on his social media.
By Newsroom | Sports, Politics |

Donald Trump has publicly criticized American freestyle skier Hunter Hess following Hess's comments expressing "mixed emotions" about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. Trump's statements, posted on his social media platform, described Hess as a "loser" and questioned his decision to compete for the U.S. if he held such feelings.

The public exchange began after Hess, at a press conference ahead of the Milano Cortina Winter Games, stated, "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. 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 further explained that he represents the parts of the country that align with him morally.

This reaction from Trump follows similar critiques from other public figures and on social media. Hess's teammate, Chris Lillis, also shared mixed feelings, stating, "I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States." Another skier, Quinn Dehlinger, commented on the political division in the U.S. and the role of sports in bringing people together. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has acknowledged receiving harmful messages directed at athletes and is working to remove content and report threats to law enforcement.

Context of the Exchange

The remarks by Hunter Hess were made in the lead-up to the Milano Cortina Winter Games. During a press conference, Hess articulated his complex feelings about competing for his country, citing current events in the United States. He was not alone in this sentiment; fellow skier Chris Lillis also conveyed a sense of heartbreak regarding the national situation.

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Donald Trump, a prominent political figure, responded to Hess's comments via his social media. His posts characterized Hess as a "loser" and suggested that athletes with such reservations should not represent the nation. This public commentary by Trump ignited further discussion and criticism directed at Hess from various individuals and online communities.

Other athletes and public figures have also commented on the broader political climate and its intersection with sports. Skier Quinn Dehlinger spoke about the political divide in the U.S. and sports' potential to unite. Figure skater Amber Glenn, who has also faced backlash for her public statements on LGBTQ+ issues, noted receiving hate messages and is reducing her social media use. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee stated its commitment to protecting athletes and providing support amidst an increase in abusive messages.

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Donald Trump Just Had A Complete Meltdown Over A Team USA Skier's Comments About Representing The US, And It's Exactly What You'd Expect - 1

Hunter Hess's Statements

Freestyle skier Hunter Hess shared his internal conflict regarding representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. At a press conference, he stated:

"It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t."

Hess elaborated that his representation is aligned with the aspects of the country that he finds morally consistent.

Donald Trump's Reaction

Following Hess's remarks, Donald Trump posted on his social media platform, expressing strong disapproval. He wrote:

"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."

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Trump also labeled Hess a "loser" and urged him to "MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Broader Athlete Sentiments and Reactions

Other members of Team USA have also voiced their perspectives on the political climate. Chris Lillis, another freestyle skier, shared his feelings:

"I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States."

Skier Quinn Dehlinger addressed the political divisions, noting, "The political divide in the United States is very prevalent, and competition and sports is always a way to bring people together."

Donald Trump Just Had A Complete Meltdown Over A Team USA Skier's Comments About Representing The US, And It's Exactly What You'd Expect - 2

Figure skater Amber Glenn has also experienced negative feedback for sharing her views on issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, leading to a decision to limit her social media activity.

Responses from Other Figures

Beyond Trump, other individuals have also been critical of Hess. Republican Representative Tim Burchett reportedly advised Hess to "shut up and go play in the snow." YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul posted on social media, stating, "From all true Americans If you don't want to represent this country go live somewhere else." Former NFL quarterback Brett Favre and actor Rob Schneider are also listed among conservative figures who have criticized athletes' comments.

U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Stance

The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has responded to the situation, acknowledging the increase in harmful messages directed at athletes. A spokesperson stated:

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"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."

The committee also indicated its efforts to remove abusive content and report credible threats to law enforcement.

Analysis of Public Commentary

The commentary surrounding Hunter Hess's remarks highlights a tension between athletes' personal expressions and public expectations of national representation. Donald Trump's strong denouncement of Hess reflects a perspective that athletes competing for the U.S. should refrain from public criticism of the nation. Conversely, other athletes like Quinn Dehlinger suggest sports can serve as a platform for unity, implicitly allowing for discussion of complex issues. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's statement indicates a priority on athlete well-being amidst online vitriol, suggesting a recognition of the impact of public discourse on competitors.

Conclusion

The exchange between skier Hunter Hess and Donald Trump underscores a significant public debate regarding the expression of personal views by national team athletes. Hess’s expression of "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. prompted a sharp rebuke from Trump, who labeled him a "loser." This incident occurred alongside similar sentiments from other athletes and a broader context of political discourse impacting the Olympic environment. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee has affirmed its commitment to supporting its athletes and addressing the harmful messages they have received. The differing viewpoints presented by athletes, political figures, and sports organizations reveal varied interpretations of patriotism and the role of athletes in public discourse.

Sources and Context

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Donald Trump criticize Hunter Hess?
Donald Trump criticized Hunter Hess because the skier said he had 'mixed emotions' about representing the U.S. due to current events.
Q: What did Hunter Hess say?
Hunter Hess said it brings up 'mixed emotions' to represent the U.S. right now because of things happening in the country he doesn't like.
Q: How did Trump react to Hess's comments?
Trump called Hess a 'loser' on his social media and said he should not have tried out for the team if he felt that way.
Q: Are other athletes also sharing their feelings?
Yes, some other athletes have also shared feelings of heartbreak or concern about the U.S. situation.
Q: What is the U.S. Olympic Committee doing?
The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee is working to protect athletes from harmful messages and threats.