President Trump responds to Hunter Hess’ remarks at the Olympics
“It’s a little tough. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not a big fan of,” said American freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess. In response, President Donald Trump called Hess a “real loser” in a post on Truth Social.
President Donald Trump called U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess a “loser” on social media on Sunday, February 8, in an apparent response to Hess’ comments earlier this week that it would be difficult for him to represent the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics given the current political divide.
American freestyle halfpipe skier Hess expressed mixed feelings ahead of the opening ceremony on Friday, February 6, saying it was “a little tough” to represent the United States.
“Obviously there’s a lot going on that I’m not a big fan of,” Hess said. “Just because you’re flying the flag doesn’t mean it represents everything that’s going on in the United States.”
President Trump responded to Hess’ comments on Sunday’s Truth Social, calling the Olympian a “real loser.”
“U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess, a true loser, said he would not represent his country at the current Winter Olympics,” President Trump wrote on Sunday. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team and it’s a shame he’s on the team. It’s so hard to root for a player like this. Let’s make America great again!”
Hess is one of several U.S. Olympians who have mixed feelings about representing their country at the Winter Olympics. Still, Hess added that when you wear the flag, you represent a part of the country that morally aligns with you.
“I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people who have represented America before me, everything that I believe is good about America. I just feel like I’m representing it if it aligns with my moral values,” Hess added.
Contributor: Sidney Henderson, USA TODAY
Kate Perez covers national trends and breaking news for USA TODAY. You can reach her at kperez@usatodayco.com or X @katecperez_.
