In a bold and somewhat controversial statement, President Trump labeled Olympic skier Hunter Hess as "a real loser" on Sunday. This remark came after Hess expressed his conflicting feelings about representing the United States at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics, highlighting the tensions that have emerged around this prestigious event.
Why does this matter? Typically, the Olympics serve as a moment of unity for Americans, rallying support behind their athletes. However, the Milano Cortina Games appear to be a new battleground for political discourse, as Trump continues to scrutinize elite athletes who have publicly criticized his administration.
But here's where it gets controversial: despite the backlash, many members of Team USA have bravely voiced their discontent with the current administration while still honoring the nation they represent.
In an interview, Hess, who will wear the American flag during the Games, clarified that donning the national colors doesn’t equate to endorsing every aspect of the country’s situation. He mentioned, "Representing the U.S. brings up mixed emotions for me."
He went on to elaborate, saying, "There are certainly many issues I’m not fond of, and I believe many share my sentiments. For me, it's about representing my friends and family back home and honoring those who represented the U.S. before me, as well as the values I believe are positive about our country."
In response to Hess's comments, Trump took to Truth Social, attacking the athlete's character and questioning his place on the team. He remarked, "He shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s unfortunate he made it on." The former president further expressed, "It’s very hard to cheer for someone like this." Notably, Team USA has yet to provide a public comment regarding Trump's remarks.
Looking at this from a wider perspective, other athletes have similarly protested against the administration or voiced similar concerns as Hess. For instance, Gus Kenworthy, who has switched his allegiance to Great Britain, shared an Instagram post that appeared to display anti-ICE sentiments in a provocative manner ahead of the opening ceremony. Additionally, Jessie Diggins, a prominent cross-country skier from Minnesota, articulated her stance on social media, stating, "I race for an American people who embody love, acceptance, compassion, honesty, and respect for others. I oppose hate, violence, and discrimination."
Moreover, Amber Glenn, a three-time U.S. figure skating champion, has openly discussed the difficulties faced by the LGBTQ+ community during Trump’s presidency. She has faced criticism for speaking out, but she firmly believes in not remaining silent.
Reflecting on past interactions, Trump has a history of clashes with athletes. At a rally in 2021, he claimed that Americans were "happy" about the U.S. women’s soccer team losing to Sweden, attributing the defeat to what he termed "wokeism." More recently, in 2023, he ridiculed star player Megan Rapinoe on social media, sarcastically commenting, "Nice shot, Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!" Furthermore, during the 2024 Games, he made false claims about two female boxers, suggesting they were men.
Want to learn more about the upcoming Winter Olympics? Check out our guide on how, when, and where to watch the 2026 Winter Games, which promises to be filled with excitement and possibly more political controversy.
