- Freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressed mixed emotions about representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics after recent ICE raids in Minnesota.
- President Donald Trump then slammed Hunter on social media, calling the Olympian a “total loser.”
- After Trump’s comments, a slew of athletes have come to Hunter’s defense, including snowboarder Chloe Kim.
The 2026 Winter Olympics may bring some steep competition between countries, but Team USA’s athletes are showing up for one another in different ways.
During a press conference on February 9, two-time Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim showed support for fellow athlete and freestyle skier Hunter Hess after President Trump deemed him a “total loser” for speaking out against the administration’s immigration crackdown in Minnesota amid recent ICE raids.
“Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely has hit pretty close to home,” Chloe, who grew up in California with South Korean parents, said. “In moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another, for all that’s going on.”
While Chloe confirmed she’s proud to represent the country at the Winter Games, she added, “We are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on, and I think that we need to lead with love and compassion, and I would love to see some more of that.”
Chloe and Hunter aren’t the only athletes calling out the government amid ongoing ICE raids. Women’s halfpipe champion Maddie Maestro echoed a similar sentiment to Chloe in that she’s proud to represent the U.S. but “also saddened with what’s happening at home.”
“It’s really tough,” Maddie shared, per Variety. “I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice.”
ICYMI, Hunter spoke out against the Trump administration’s efforts to detain immigrants despite their citizenship status.
“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hunter said during a previous press conference when asked about the matter. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” he continued.
Per NBC News, Trump slammed Hunter on Truth Social and suggested he shouldn’t have tried out for Team USA if he didn’t want to represent the country. “It’s too bad he’s on it,” Trump wrote as he called him a “real loser.” “Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Senator Bernie Sanders even called out Trump for his social media post targeting Hunter, writing, “Mr. President, this is not a monarchy. This is the United States and no one is required to bow down to you.”
Hunter seemingly responded to the president’s claims with his own social media post on February 9, writing, in part, “I love my country. There is so much that is great about America, 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.”
Hunter, who’s competing in the men’s freeski halfpipe competition next week, continued, “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. Thanks to everyone for their support.”
