{"id":94822,"date":"2026-06-01T03:56:09","date_gmt":"2026-06-01T03:56:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/people\/94822\/"},"modified":"2026-06-01T03:56:09","modified_gmt":"2026-06-01T03:56:09","slug":"olympic-skier-hunter-hess-responds-after-trump-called-him-a-loser","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/people\/94822\/","title":{"rendered":"Olympic Skier Hunter Hess Responds After Trump Called Him A ‘Loser’"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tAfter being on the receiving end of President Donald Trump<\/a>\u2018s ire for expressing \u201cmixed emotions\u201d about representing the United States as an Olympian, freestyle skier Hunter Hess has reiterated messages of unity and freedom of speech.<\/p>\n

\n\tLast Friday, during a press conference, the two-time Winter X Games bronze medalist admitted he was \u201cnot the biggest fan\u201d of the state of U.S. politics, which led the POTUS to call him a \u201creal loser.\u201d <\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cI love my country \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8,\u201d Hess clarified in an Instagram post shared today<\/a>. \u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHe continued, \u201cThe best part of the Olympics<\/a> 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tHess was not alone in critiquing the country over its brutal immigration policies and general authoritarian rise, as fellow members of Team USA \u2014 like figure skater and recently minted team gold medalist Amber Glenn and fellow freestyle competitor Gus Kenworthy \u2014 shared similar grievances. After her statement, Glenn shared she was forced to limit her social media usage following \u201cthreats\u201d over her words. Meanwhile, Kenworthy opted for a more blunt message, urinating \u201cFuck ICE\u201d on the snow<\/a>, and posting a photo of it to Instagram \u2014 a move that also garnered him death threats, he said earlier today. <\/p>\n

\n\tHess was also backed up by Team USA snowboarders<\/a> like Bea Kim, Maddie Mastro and Chloe Kim. When asked to weigh in on Trump\u2019s bullying comments toward Hess, the trio championed values of diversity, compassion and kindness.<\/p>\n

\n\t\u201cThere are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now,\u201d Bea Kim said, in part. \u201cObviously, we\u2019re very divided. I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tMaddie Mastro said she was proud to represent the United States, but she\u2019s \u201calso saddened with what\u2019s happening at home. It\u2019s really tough. I feel like we can\u2019t 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

\n\tChloe Kim added, \u201cThe U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what\u2019s going on. And I think that we need to lead with love and compassion.\u201d<\/p>\n