Olympian Hunter Hess Responds to Trump Calling Him a ‘Real Loser’

Days after President Trump called Hunter Hess a “real loser,” Hess said he loved his country but “there are always things that could be better”

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Days after President Donald Trump called Olympian Hunter Hess a “real loser” over the freestyle skier saying he had “mixed emotions” representing the United States due to the current administration’s policies, Hess held firm in his viewpoint, saying he loved his country 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,” Hess wrote in an Instagram statement Monday. “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.”

The first-time Olympian, who is competing in the freestyle skiing halfpipe event, which starts Feb. 19, drew Trump’s attention over the weekend following Hess’ comments ahead of the opening ceremonies for the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan.

Asked how he felt about representing the U.S. on the world stage, the 27-year-old acknowledged “there’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,” and “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 U.S.”

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” Hess added.

Trump caught wind of Hess’ interview and bashed him on social media. “U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote Sunday. “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!”

Fellow Olympians have also chimed in on Trump’s comments. Freestyle skier Eileen Gu, an American-born citizen competing for China, said she was “sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so unrelated to the spirit of the Games. It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be.”

Snowboarder Chloe Kim added, “It’s important in moments like these for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another with what’s going on. I’m really proud to represent the United States. The U.S. has given my family so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on.”