American freeskier Hunter Hess said the past two weeks have been the most difficult of his life after President Donald Trump called him “a real loser” during the Winter Olympics.
Trump criticized Hess after the skier said he had mixed feelings about representing the United States, citing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers carrying out the administration’s pledge to deport millions of illegal immigrants living in the country.
“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump posted onTruth Socialearlier this month.
“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.”
On Friday, Hess advanced to the men’s freeski halfpipe final.
During qualification, he made an “L” sign with his hand, later acknowledging the gesture.
“Apparently, I am a loser,” Hess said. “I am leaning into it.”
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now… Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”– Team USA Olympic Skier Hunter Hess
The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics…
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_)February 7, 2026
Source: The Gateway Pundit
