Hunter Hess says he is eager to 'represent Team USA' at 2026 Olympics after Trump backlash

WASHINGTON, DC: American skier Hunter Hess has now claimed that he cannot wait to “represent Team USA next week” at the Winter Olympics after facing backlash from President Donald Trump. His recent comment was quite the opposite of what he had said earlier about his participation in the games.

Taking to Instagram, the 27-year-old wrote, “I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”

Hunter Hess thanks people for their 'support'

Hess then turned his focus towards the Olympics as he added, “The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete,” adding, “Thanks to everyone for their support.”

This came after days ago, the freestyle skier had told reporters during a press conference that he’s “representing my friends and family back home” when asked about how he feels about representing the US in the Olympics amid the chaos in America, especially due to the ICE crackdown that took away the lives of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

Hunter Hess says he's representing all things 'good about the US'

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now, I think. 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. 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 are good about the US …” he had stated.

Hess also further added that “just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.”

Trump brands Hunter Hess a 'loser'

He faced immediate backlash from Trump, who wrote on Truth Social, “US 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!” the Republican leader added.

Hess was one of the few Team USA Olympians who have expressed their disappointment over the country’s current situation.

Skier Chris Lillis condemns ICE crackdown

As per Skier Chris Lillis, “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.”

“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,” Lillis added.