Trump calls Olympic skier ‘real loser’ after athlete expresses ‘mixed emotions’ representing the U.S.

Hunter Hess of Team USA looks on during the Toyota US Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort in Colorado on January 10. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images via CNN Newsource)

U.S. President Donald Trump called Olympic skier Hunter Hess a “real loser” on Sunday after the athlete expressed “mixed emotions representing the U.S. right now” in the Winter Olympic Games.

“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump posted on Truth Social on Sunday morning. “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.”

Hess, who hails from Bend, Oregon, said during a press availability last week that “just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

“It’s a little hard; there’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess said. “I think for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe that are good about the US.”

Hess’ comments came as several freestyle skiers on Team USA fielded questions on the U.S. political climate. Skier Chris Lillis was more direct in his comments, referencing tensions surrounding U.S. federal immigration enforcement in the wake of two fatal shootings of U.S. citizens in Minnesota.

“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,” Lillis said.

“I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that,” he told reporters. “I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect.”

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

A U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee spokesperson said in a statement that “Our focus is on Hunter’s protection and on ensuring he has the support and resources in place to compete on the world’s largest stage.”

The committee issued a statement earlier this weekend after figure skater Amber Glenn was also asked about U.S. politics and later said she received hate messages.

“It’s a sad reality that over the last several games, we’ve seen an uptick in abusive and harmful messages directed at athletes during competition,” a USOPC spokesperson said, adding the committee monitors public platforms and escalates threats to law enforcement as appropriate.

“The USOPC stands firmly behind Team USA athletes and remains committed to their well-being and safety, both on and off the field of play,” the statement said.

Some conservatives have weighed in on athletes’ comments, criticizing Hess before the president’s Truth Social post.

“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, a Trump ally and the wife of top White House aide Stephen Miller, wrote on social media Saturday.

White House chief of protocol Monica Crowley also chimed in and reposted the president, writing on X, “Represent America with pride or GTFO.”

The president’s remark, however, was met with pushback by Sen. Bernie Sanders, who called Hess a “proud American.”

“Mr. President, this is not a monarchy,” the Vermont independent wrote on X. “This is the United States and no one is required to bow down to you.”

Trump’s social media comment is only the latest example of the president criticizing those who speak out against his administration. He also voiced opposition to Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl halftime show.

Meanwhile, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were in Milan over the weekend to watch the Olympics, and Trump is attending a Super Bowl watch party in Florida.

Vance and second lady Usha Vance were notably booed during the opening ceremony.

While Trump said it’s hard to root for Hess, Vance said in a speech last week to Team USA athletes that “The whole country, Democrat, Republican, independent, we’re all rooting for ya and we’re cheering for ya.”

This story has been updated with additional information.