During the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized American freestyle skier Hunter Hess after the athlete expressed “mixed emotions” about representing the United States on the international sport stage.
Hess spoke at a press conference in Milan about the complexity of competing for Team USA amid contemporary political and social issues at home. He said he focuses on representing aspects of America he personally values — such as his friends, family and supporters — rather than endorsing all U.S. policies.
In response, Trump took to Truth Social to rebuke Hess’s comments, calling him a “real loser” and suggesting that if the skier did not feel proud to represent the United States, he should not have tried out for the Olympic team. Trump stated it was “very hard to root” for an athlete who voiced reservations about representing his country.
The incident is part of broader political tensions at the Olympics, which have seen U.S. officials receive mixed reactions from international crowds and athletes speaking out on issues such as immigration and inclusivity. For example, anti-U.S. protests emerged in Milan over the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel, leading to moments of visible discontent during the Games’ opening ceremony.
Other American athletes have also faced backlash for their views. Figure skater Amber Glenn spoke publicly about LGBTQ+ rights and later said she would scale back social media use due to threats received. Meanwhile, fellow skiers like Chris Lillis voiced concerns about immigration policies and emphasized compassion and respect for all people.
The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee has stepped in to support athletes’ safety and well-being amid the political debate, striving to protect them from online harassment and harmful messages.
Trump’s remarks have sparked discussion over the intersection of sport, national identity and political expression, highlighting how global events like the Olympics can become arenas for broader cultural and ideological clashes
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