Trump Slams Olympic Skier Who Expressed 'Mixed Emotions' About Representing US

President calls skier Hunter Hess a 'real loser' for comments about conflicted feelings over competing for Team USA

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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President Donald Trump criticized Olympic skier Hunter Hess on social media after Hess expressed 'mixed emotions' about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. Trump called Hess a 'real loser' and said he shouldn't have tried out for the team if he didn't fully support the country. Several other US athletes have also faced backlash for voicing political views during the games.

Why it matters

Trump's comments highlight the ongoing tensions around athletes expressing political views, especially when representing the US on the global stage of the Olympics. This controversy reflects the deep political divisions in the country and the pressure on athletes to conform to nationalist sentiments when competing for Team USA.

The details

In a press conference last week, skier Hunter Hess from Bend, Oregon said 'just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.' Hess said he was more focused on representing his 'friends and family back home' and the 'good things' about the US that align with his 'moral values.' Several other US freestyle skiers, including Chris Lillis and Quinn Dehlinger, also made comments referencing political tensions in the US, such as issues around immigration and the political divide. Trump took to his Truth Social platform to call Hess a 'real loser' and said he shouldn't have tried out for the team if he didn't fully support the country.

  • On February 8, 2026, President Trump posted his comments about skier Hunter Hess on Truth Social.

The players

Hunter Hess

An Olympic skier from Bend, Oregon who expressed 'mixed emotions' about representing the US at the Winter Olympics.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States who criticized Hess on social media, calling him a 'real loser.'

Chris Lillis

A US freestyle skier who made comments referencing tensions around Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Quinn Dehlinger

A US skier who said 'the political divide in the United States is very prevalent.'

US Olympic & Paralympic Committee

The organization that issued statements supporting its athletes and condemning abusive messages directed at them.

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What they’re saying

“Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.”

— Hunter Hess, Olympic Skier (CNN)

“A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I feel heartbroken about what's happening in the United States.”

— Chris Lillis, Freestyle Skier (CNN)

“The political divide in the United States is very prevalent, and competition and sports is always a way to bring people together.”

— Quinn Dehlinger, Skier (CNN)

“If you can't say you love America while competing on behalf of our nation then you shouldn't be at the Olympics.”

— Katie Miller, Trump Ally (CNN)

“Represent America with pride or GTFO.”

— Monica Crowley, White House Chief of Protocol (CNN)

What’s next

The US Olympic & Paralympic Committee said it is focused on protecting Hunter Hess and ensuring he has the support and resources to compete at the Olympics.

The takeaway

This controversy highlights the ongoing tensions around athletes expressing political views, especially when representing the US on the global stage of the Olympics. It reflects the deep political divisions in the country and the pressure on athletes to conform to nationalist sentiments when competing for Team USA.