Trump Attacks U.S. Olympian After Athlete Expresses ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Representing America
A growing number of U.S. Olympic athletes competing in this month’s Winter Games are speaking out about their discomfort representing the country under President Donald Trump’s administration, igniting a political firestorm that has reached the White House.
The controversy escalated after freestyle skier Hunter Hess told reporters he had “mixed emotions” about competing for Team USA given the current political climate. “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. I think it’s a little hard,” Hess said at a press conference. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Within hours, Trump responded in a Truth Social post, calling Hess a “real loser” and saying it was “very hard to root for someone like this” during the Games.
Hess’s remarks followed similar comments from American figure skater Amber Glenn, who criticized the administration’s policies affecting LGBTQ Americans. Glenn said she hoped to use her platform “to help people stay strong in these hard times.”
Some fellow athletes have rallied behind Hess. Snowboarding star Chloe Kim said the broader political debate “hits pretty close to home” for many competitors, particularly those from immigrant families. “I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another,” Kim said, while also expressing pride in representing the United States.
Vice President J.D. Vance weighed in after receiving boos at the Games’ opening ceremony in Milan, suggesting athletes who enter political debates should expect criticism. “You’re not there to pop off about politics,” Vance said. “When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback.”
Democrats sharply criticized Trump’s direct attack on Hess, arguing it crossed a line. Sen. Chris Coons said publicly rebuking American athletes during the Olympics undermines national unity, calling it unprecedented for a sitting president to target competitors representing the country abroad.
Republicans, however, dismissed the controversy. Rep. Jim Jordan said it was an “honor” to represent the United States at the Olympics and questioned why any athlete would express reservations about doing so.
The debate underscores a broader cultural divide as the Winter Games unfold, with sports once again colliding with politics on a global stage.
What began as a personal reflection from an athlete has now become a flashpoint in the ongoing national conversation over patriotism, protest and the role of public figures in political discourse.
