The President’s “verdict”—delivered via Truth Social—labeled the 27-year-old Olympian a “real loser” following Hess’s comments about the complexities of representing the United States during the current administration’s aggressive immigration crackdown.
The Spark: Hunter Hess’s Press Conference
During a pre-competition press conference on February 6, Hess was asked about his perspective on wearing the American flag while federal agencies (ICE) conducted high-profile operations back home, including recent incidents in Minnesota.
Hess’s Statement: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S. It brings up mixed emotions… I’m representing my friends, family, and the things I believe are good about the U.S.”
The “Moral Align” Stance: Hess added that he represents the country only when it aligns with his “moral values,” a sentiment that quickly went viral and drew the attention of the White House.
President Trump’s “Verdict”
Responding on Sunday, February 8, President Trump did not hold back, criticizing Hess for what he perceived as a lack of national loyalty.
“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!” — Donald Trump, February 8, 2026
A Divided Team USA Response
The President’s comments have sparked a rift within the athletic community in Italy, with several high-profile stars coming to Hess’s defense while others remain focused purely on the competition.
Chloe Kim: The two-time gold medalist and daughter of South Korean immigrants called for unity, stating, “In moments like these, it is really important for us to stand up for one another.”
Amber Glenn: The gold-medal figure skater supported Hess but announced a total social media blackout on February 9 after receiving “scary threats” following her own comments about LGBTQ+ rights under the administration.
Eileen Gu: The San Francisco-born skier (competing for China) also expressed sympathy for Hess, noting she has previously been “caught in the crossfire” of similar political debates.
Mikaela Shiffrin: While not mentioning Trump by name, Shiffrin pointedly quoted Nelson Mandela during her press briefing, emphasizing that peace is created when “all can flourish regardless of race, creed, or gender.”
Political Escalation: The “Shut Up and Ski” Debate
The controversy has moved beyond social media, with members of Congress weighing in on the appropriate behavior for U.S. athletes abroad.
| Official | Position / Comment |
| Rep. Tim Burchett (R-TN) | Told Hess to “shut up and go play in the snow.” |
| Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL) | Publicly told the Olympian to “GO HOME” if he felt mixed emotions. |
| Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) | Defended Hess (a fellow Oregonian), stating that the freedom to criticize is “what makes the country amazing.” |
| USOPC | Issued a statement on Feb 8 confirming they are working with law enforcement to protect athletes from “abusive and harmful messages.” |
