Olympian Hunter Hess Responds to Trump Calling Him a ‘Real Loser’

Olympic skier Hunter Hess has responded to criticism from President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a "real loser" after Hess expressed having "mixed emotions" about representing the United States at the Winter Olympics. During a press conference, Hess, a two-time Winter X Games bronze medalist, stated that while he is proud to represent the U.S., there are aspects of the country that could be improved. He emphasized that this sentiment is part of the freedom of speech that Americans enjoy, saying, “One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out” (Deadline). Trump's comments came after Hess's remarks about his feelings regarding the political climate in the U.S. and how it affects his perspective on competing for the nation. Hess admitted he was "not the biggest" fan of the current political situation, which led to Trump's derogatory remarks. The criticism from Trump highlights the tension between athletes expressing personal views and the expectations placed on them as representatives of their country (USA Today, NBC News, Politico). In his response, Hess reiterated themes of unity and the importance of free expression. He acknowledged that while he has mixed feelings, he still values the opportunity to compete and represent the U.S. at the Olympics. His comments reflect a broader conversation about the role of athletes in political discourse and the complexities of national representation (Variety).