Trump criticizes Olympic athlete for comments about representing the United States
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President Donald Trump reacted Sunday after Team USA Olympic skier Hunter Hess sparked outrage for his comments about representing the country at the Milan Cortina Games.
Trump made a scathing post on social media, calling Hess a “real loser.”
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Hunter Hess reacts after competing in the men’s ski superpipe final at the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain on February 25, 2023, in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“American Olympic skier Hunter Hess, a real loser, says he is not representing his country in the current Winter Olympics,” he wrote.
“If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team, and it’s a shame he’s on it. It’s so hard to support someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
“Miracle on Ice” star Mike Eruzione also took issue with Hess’ comments. He wrote in X that Hess shouldn’t have worn the uniform if he felt that way. The former men’s ice hockey Olympian later deleted his post.
Hess’ comments came as the Trump administration faced backlash over its use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement operations. An incident with ICE agents in January left Renee Good dead in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a deadly encounter with Alex Pretti.
Hunter Hess reacts during the men’s ski halfpipe final at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Aspen, Colorado, on Jan. 9, 2026. (Dustin Satloff/US Ski & Snowboard/Getty Images)
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Those incidents were apparently used as a catalyst for comments from Hess and teammate Chris Lillis. Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States.
“I think it brings mixed emotions to represent America right now. It’s a little difficult. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not a big fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess said.
“I think, for me, the important thing is to represent my friends and family in my country, the people who represented it before me, all the things that I think are good about America. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s happening in America.
President Donald Trump during an announcement in the South Court Auditorium of the Eisenhower Executive Office Building at the White House on Thursday, February 5, 2026. (Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)
“I just want to do it for my friends, my family and the people who support me to get here.”
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Hess competes in the men’s freeski halfpipe.
Paulina Dedaj of News contributed to this report.
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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor at News Digital.