Fact Check: Did Trump ask when he could kill 2026 Olympians who lost?

The rumor went viral following a social media post from Trump in which he criticized freestyle skier Hunter Hess

PUBLISHED FEB 20, 2026

An online rumor claimed Donald Trump asked when he could kill 2026 Olympians who lost (Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: In mid-February, a rumor circulated online claiming that President Donald Trump asked when he could kill members of the US Olympic team who did not win during the Winter Olympics.

The rumor went viral following a social media post from Trump in which he called US freestyle skier Hunter Hess 'a real loser' for speaking about the current political state of the country during a news conference at the Winter Games. But is there any truth to the viral claim? Let us find out below.

Claim: Trump asked when he could kill 2026 Olympians who lost

On Wednesday, February 18, a Facebook account shared a news article titled, 'Trump Asks When He Gets To Kill Olympians Who Lost.' The Facebook post also had a link to the article attached.

Trump had earlier criticized US freestyle skier Hunter Hess in a Truth Social post that read, "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!" Trump added in the post.

Interestingly, figure skater Amber Glenn, snowboarder Chloe Kim, and curler Rich Ruohonen also spoke out against the POTUS or his policies.

Fact Check: False, the post originated as a satire

The claims made in the online posts are false, as there is no evidence that Donald Trump ever asked when he could kill members of the 2026 US Olympic team who lost in their events.

The rumor originated as satire from The Onion, a well-known satirical news website. The Onion published an article titled 'Trump Asks When He Gets To Kill Olympians Who Lost,' which exaggerated and fictionalized Donald Trump's style in absurd, hyperbolic terms.

ROME, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 19: U.S. President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026 in Rome, Georgia. Trump delivered remarks on the economy and affordability as the state has started voting to replace the seat vacated by former Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) — President Donald Trump speaks at the Coosa Steel Corporation on February 19, 2026, in Rome, Georgia (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Moreover, no mainstream news outlets, official records, speeches, Truth Social posts, or interviews reported anything like this from the President.

The online post is classic The Onion satire that got taken out of context or shared without the satirical disclaimer. The claims made in the viral article are not a real quote or event.