Donald Trump has attacked US Olympian Hunter Hess, calling the Olympic halfpipe skier a “real loser.” Taking to Truth Social, the US President wrote that Hess is “very hard to root for” after the athlete criticised “everything that’s going on in the US”.
When asked what it meant to him to represent his country at the Winter Olympics in Milan Hess, 27, admitted that it’s “a little hard”. Ahead of the opening ceremony Hess said he feels like he’s representing aspects of the US “if it aligns with my moral values”. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t”, he said.
Just “cause I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US” he added.
Firing straight back Trump took to Truth Social on Sunday morning, February 8: “US Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics.
“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. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
In response, some have sided with Hess, while others have strongly criticized his remarks. “You shouldn’t be representing the U.S.A. if you hate it here,” said one user on X. “So tired of this Anti-American rhetoric.”
A second added: “The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics. If you’re not proud to represent the red, white, & blue, stay home.”
Another freestyle skier also spoke out on issues in the US, telling the media, “A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States.”
“I’m pretty sure you’re referencing ICE and some of the protests and things like that. I think that as a country, we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens as well as anybody, with love and respect,” he added.