Trump blasts Team USA skier Hunter Hess following remarks on representing the country

WASHINGTON, DC: Donald Trump weighed in Sunday, February 7, after comments by US Olympic skier Hunter Hess over representing the USA in the games ignited backlash.

Trump criticized Hess for questioning his relationship with the country while competing at the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

Trump slams Hunter Hess

In a sharply worded social media post, Trump called Hess a “real loser” and suggested he should not have pursued a spot on Team USA if he felt that way.

“If he doesn’t feel he represents the United States, then he never should have tried out,” Trump wrote, adding that it was difficult to support an athlete who publicly distanced himself from the country.

He ended the post with his trademark slogan, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Hess’s remarks also drew criticism from former Olympians. Mike Eruzione, captain of the legendary 1980 'Miracle on Ice' hockey team, weighed in briefly on X, saying athletes who feel conflicted about the country should not wear the US uniform. The post was later deleted. 

What Sparked The Controversy

The controversy over Hess's comments comes amid heightened debate in the US over immigration enforcement policies and recent federal actions that have drawn significant public attention.

Recent federal immigration enforcement operations, in Minnesota involving Renee Good and Alex Pretti, by an ICE agent, have sparked national outrage, protests and criticism of ICE and border enforcement tactics, and were cited as part of the broader climate that prompted Hess’s remarks.

Speaking ahead of the Games, Hess described representing the United States currently brings “mixed emotions.” 

“There’s a lot happening that I’m not the biggest fan of,” he said, adding that many Americans feel similarly.

Hess emphasized that his decision to compete in the Olympics is rooted more in personal connections than political alignment.

He said he sees himself as representing his family, friends, and those who supported his journey to the Games, not every action taken by the US government. 

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I stand behind everything going on in the country,” Hess said, explaining that he competes for the values and people he believes in.

His teammate, Chris Lillis, echoed similar sentiments, reinforcing that their motivation lies in personal pride and community support rather than national politics.