Olympic Skier Responds to Trump's 'Real Loser' Criticism

Hunter Hess says he loves his country but acknowledges there's room for improvement

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Days after expressing 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics, American freestyle skier Hunter Hess responded to being called a 'real loser' by former President Donald Trump. Rather than addressing the online criticism, the 27-year-old Hess chose to focus on the positive, saying he loves his country and the freedom to point out areas that could be better.

Why it matters

Hess' comments about his 'mixed emotions' representing the U.S. sparked a backlash from Trump, highlighting the ongoing political divisions in the country. The Olympics are meant to bring people together, and Hess' response emphasizes the importance of unity and freedom of expression, even when opinions differ.

The details

Hess, currently ranked No. 2 in the World Cup freeski halfpipe event, will compete in the men's freeski halfpipe qualifier on Feb. 19 with the final set for Feb. 20. In an Instagram post, Hess said 'I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better.' He added that 'the best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever.'

  • Hess made his initial comments about having 'mixed emotions' representing the U.S. on Friday, February 10, 2026.
  • Trump posted his criticism of Hess on his Truth Social platform on Sunday, February 12, 2026.
  • Hess will compete in the men's freeski halfpipe qualifier on February 19, 2026, with the final set for February 20, 2026.

The players

Hunter Hess

A 27-year-old American freestyle skier who is currently ranked No. 2 in the World Cup freeski halfpipe event and will be competing for Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, Italy.

Donald Trump

The 45th and 47th President of the United States, who criticized Hess on his Truth Social platform for expressing 'mixed emotions' about representing the U.S. at the Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete. Thanks to everyone for their support.”

— Hunter Hess (Instagram)

“U.S. Olympic Skier, 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. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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