«Real loser»: Trump Slams U.S. athlete

Donald Trump sparked fresh controversy on Sunday after calling US Olympic skier Hunter Hess a «real Loser» in a Truth Social post, attacking the athlete for expressing doubts about representing the country during the Winter Olympic Games.

The president’s comments landed as the United States remains politically divided during Trump’s second term, with public tensions rising over immigration enforcement and protest movements. Hess had told reporters he felt “mixed emotions representing the US right now,” framing his Olympic participation as personal rather than political.

Trump’s post quickly amplified the debate over patriotism and free speech, turning a routine press availability into a national political flashpoint.

Trump wrote: «U.S. 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!»

The message was posted after Hess spoke openly about the current climate in the United States. The skier, who is from Bend, Oregon, said last week that «just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.» His remarks were part of broader media questioning of American athletes about politics, but appeared to strike a nerve with Trump.

Hess explained that his focus remained on the people close to him rather than the administration. «It’s a little hard; 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.

«I think for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe that are good about the US.»

After Trump’s criticism went viral, Hess appeared to respond in an Instagram post, emphasizing both pride and dissent. «There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better,» he wrote.

In the same post, Hess defended his right to speak out while confirming his commitment to Team USA. «One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out,» he wrote.

«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.»

He added: «I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.»

His comments came as multiple US freestyle skiers faced similar questions about representing the country under Trump’s leadership and amid rising political polarization.

Other American athletes echoed the same unease. Skier Chris Lillis told reporters: «I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States.»

Referring to immigration enforcement and public protests, he added:

«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.»

Another skier, Quinn Dehlinger, said:

«The political divide in the United States is very prevalent, and competition and sports is always a way to bring people together.» The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said its focus was on Hess’ protection and support.

The issue of political backlash has extended beyond Hess to other Team USA athletes.

Figure skater Amber Glenn said she received death threats and an unprecedented wave of online abuse after speaking about it being a “tough time” for the LGBTQ+ community under Donald Trump. Glenn, who helped the United States secure team gold in Milan, said the reaction stunned her.

«I couldn’t believe the outlandish backlash I’ve received for just supporting people,» she said, adding that she stepped away from social media because of the volume of harmful messages.

The US Olympic and Paralympic Committee said it has seen an increase in abusive behavior toward athletes and stressed that it remains focused on protecting competitors and supporting them throughout the Games.