Whoa! President Trump didn’t hold back.
President Donald Trump responded forcefully Sunday after comments from Team USA Olympic skier Hunter Hess sparked widespread backlash over what many viewed as a dismissive attitude toward representing the United States.
Hess, who is set to compete in the upcoming Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics, said he felt conflicted about wearing the American flag, a statement that quickly ignited criticism from conservatives and longtime Olympic fans who believe representing Team USA is an honor, not a political statement.
Trump addressed the controversy directly on social media, questioning why an athlete would seek a spot on the U.S. Olympic team while openly distancing himself from the country.
Trump wrote that U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess was “a real loser” for claiming he doesn’t represent the country while competing in the Winter Games, adding that if Hess truly felt that way, he never should have tried out for Team USA. Trump said it makes the athlete difficult to support and ended his post with his signature slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Trump’s remarks resonated with supporters who argue that Olympic athletes serve as ambassadors for the nation and should respect the flag, the anthem, and the millions of Americans they represent on the world stage.
The criticism extended beyond Trump. Mike Eruzione, the captain of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team that delivered the historic “Miracle on Ice,” also expressed frustration over Hess’ comments. In a post later deleted, Eruzione suggested that athletes uncomfortable representing America should reconsider wearing the uniform at all.
Hess’ remarks came amid renewed debate over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration. Media outlets and activist groups have criticized recent U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations following deadly encounters involving federal agents earlier this year. Those incidents appear to have influenced Hess’ perspective.
In an interview, Hess acknowledged having “mixed emotions” about competing under the U.S. banner.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now,” Hess said. “There’s a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people feel that way.”
He emphasized that his participation is rooted more in personal relationships than national pride.
“For me, I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people who helped me get here, and the good things I believe about the U.S.,” Hess added. “Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything happening in the country.”
While Hess maintains that distinction, critics argue that Olympic competition is inherently about national representation — and that personal political views should not overshadow the privilege of wearing the stars and stripes.
Hess is scheduled to compete in the men’s freeski halfpipe, but his comments have already shifted attention away from the sport itself, reigniting a broader debate over patriotism, politics, and what it means to represent the United States on the global stage.
