Trump Criticizes Skier for Comments on Representing the U.S.

Skier Hunter Hess shared that he felt 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the Olympics due to the current political climate. Former President Donald Trump responded by calling Hess a 'loser' on social media. This has started a conversation about athletes and their right to speak about their country.
By Newsroom | Sports, Politics |

Former President Donald Trump publicly criticized U.S. Olympic freestyle skier Hunter Hess for comments Hess made regarding his feelings about representing the United States at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. Hess, speaking at a press conference, stated that competing for the U.S. at this time brought him "mixed emotions" and was "a little hard," citing the current political climate in the country. Trump responded on social media, suggesting Hess should not have tried out for the team if he felt that way and called him "a real loser." This exchange has drawn attention amidst the ongoing Winter Olympics and broader political discussions.

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Background of the Remarks

Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier competing for the United States in the Milan Cortina Winter Games, addressed reporters on February 7, 2026. He was asked about representing the U.S. amidst domestic political tensions.

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  • Hess stated that representing the country at the current moment brought him "mixed emotions" and was "a little hard."

  • He elaborated, saying, "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 also clarified his perspective: "Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S." He also mentioned he was representing friends, family, and the "things that I believe are good about the United States."

  • Hess and fellow skier Chris Lillis were among those who spoke about these feelings.

  • While Hess mentioned "political climate" and things he was "not the biggest fan of," specific policy or individual criticisms were not detailed in the initial reports, though some articles link his sentiment to "aggressive immigration crackdown" and "political turmoil."

Trump's Reaction and Public Statement

Donald Trump responded to Hess's comments on February 9, 2026, through social media platforms, including Truth Social and X.

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  • Trump stated that Hess "shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it."

  • He referred to Hess as "a real loser" and remarked, "Very hard to root for someone like this."

  • Trump's statements framed Hess's comments as unpatriotic and suggested that if Hess had such feelings, he should not have sought to represent the United States.

  • Trump's critique was echoed by other conservative figures and media outlets.

Broader Context and Athlete Reactions

Hess's comments and Trump's response occurred within a broader environment where other American athletes at the Winter Games have also faced questions about the political situation in the U.S.

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  • Some athletes have spoken about the challenges of representing the U.S. amid domestic divisions.

  • Reports indicate that athletes have been directed to avoid political discussions.

  • The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee acknowledged an increase in abusive messages toward athletes and stated efforts to remove harmful content and report threats to law enforcement.

  • Other public figures, including politicians and commentators, have also weighed in on Hess's statements, with some suggesting athletes should refrain from political commentary.

Differing Perspectives on Representation

The situation highlights a tension between the expectations of national representation during international sporting events and athletes' personal feelings about their home country's political climate.

Athletes' Right to Express Views

  • Argument: Athletes, like all citizens, have the right to express their opinions and feelings about their country's political situation.

  • Nuance: Hess, while expressing "mixed emotions," also stated he was representing positive aspects of the U.S. and his personal values.

  • Evidence: Hess's direct quotes from the press conference suggest a nuanced perspective rather than outright rejection of the country.

Expectation of Unconditional Support for the Nation

  • Argument: When athletes agree to represent their nation, particularly in a context like the Olympics, they are expected to embody national pride and unity, without publicizing dissent.

  • Nuance: This perspective often views any criticism of the nation, especially during a prominent event, as unpatriotic.

  • Evidence: Trump's statements, labeling Hess a "loser" and suggesting he shouldn't have tried out, align with this expectation of unwavering national endorsement.

Expert and Public Figures' Commentary

Beyond Trump's direct statements, other public figures and outlets have commented on the situation.

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  • Conservative figures: Several conservative politicians and commentators have publicly criticized Hess, with some suggesting he should be removed from the team or leave the country. For example, Tim Burchett, a Republican, was quoted suggesting Hess should "shut up and go play in the snow." Jake Paul, a YouTuber and boxer, also posted on X stating, "From all true Americans If you don't want to represent this country go live somewhere else."

  • U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee: This body has indicated awareness of increased abusive messages targeting athletes and is working to address them.

Conclusion and Implications

The exchange between Hunter Hess and Donald Trump has amplified discussions about patriotism, freedom of expression, and the role of athletes in political discourse.

  • Core issue: Hess expressed nuanced "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. due to the current political climate, which Trump interpreted as a rejection of the country.

  • Trump's stance: He argued that Hess's feelings disqualified him from representing the U.S. and labeled him negatively.

  • Broader impact: The situation underscores the scrutiny Olympic athletes face when commenting on national issues and highlights the polarized views on what constitutes appropriate representation.

  • Next steps: The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee's response to increasing athlete abuse suggests ongoing efforts to manage the impact of such public criticism on the participating athletes.

Sources:

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What did skier Hunter Hess say?
Hess said he had 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the Olympics because of the country's political situation.
Q: How did Donald Trump react?
Trump called Hess a 'loser' on social media and said he should not have tried out for the team if he felt that way.
Q: Why is this news?
It shows a disagreement about what it means to represent a country and whether athletes can share their feelings about politics.
Q: What did Hess mean by 'mixed emotions'?
He said he was not a fan of some things happening in the U.S. but also that he was representing good things about the country and his personal values.