Trump Attacks Olympian Who Expressed ‘Mixed Emotions’ About Representing U.S.

President Donald Trump lashed out at an American Olympic skier on Sunday for saying that he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States given the current state of politics in his home country.

Trump called freestyle skier Hunter Hess a “total loser” in a post on Truth Social Sunday morning, and suggested that he should not have opted to compete in the marquee international competition if he felt that way.

“If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it,” Trump posted to Truth Social. “Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Hess is currently competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, where Vice President JD Vance made an appearance over the weekend. When asked about the current state of U.S. politics during a press conference Friday, Hess said “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now.”

“For me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home … all the things I believe are good about the U.S.,” Hess said. “I think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.”

“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” he added.

The comments shone a light on the deep cultural divide animating American politics, in which everything from the Super Bowl halftime show to the Grammy Awards has become fodder for commentators and politicians seeking to bolster their partisan bona fides and animate their most loyal supporters.

Hess is one of several Olympic athletes who shared their thoughts about representing the U.S. over the weekend. In an interview with USA Today Sports, aerials freestyle skier Chris Lillis said that while he “would never want to represent a different country,” he was also “heartbroken” over the violent tactics being used to carry out Trump’s mass deportation agenda.

“A lot of times athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things,” Lillis told USA Today. “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.”

While addressing the press on Saturday, two-time gold medalist Mikaela Shiffrin quoted Nelson Mandela while saying she wanted to represent her own “values” at this year’s Olympic Games.

“Values of inclusivity, values of diversity, and kindness, and sharing, tenacity, work ethic, showing up with my team every single day, and the values that we bring and put out on the mountain and on the hill every single day,” Shiffrin said.

Florida Republican Rep. Byron Donalds was among a handful of conservatives to push back against the comments, which they suggested should preclude athletes from competing for the United States.

“YOU chose to wear our flag. YOU chose to represent our country. YOU chose to compete at the @Olympics,” Donalds posted to X in response to Hess’ comments. “If that’s too hard for you, then GO HOME. Some things are bigger than politics. You just don’t get it.”

Right-wing influencers from Megyn Kelly to Jack Posobiec to social media influencer Jake Paul united in support against the Olympians.

“Wow pls shut the fuck up. From all true Americans,” Paul, who was seen sitting next to Vance at this weekend’s events, posted to X. “If you don’t want to represent this country go live somewhere else.”

Several Olympians with ties to Minnesota have taken a more direct approach against the Trump administration in their statements. The athletes are competing in Milan amid a sweeping federal deportation operation in Minneapolis that has resulted in the death of two American citizens at the hands of federal agents.

Biathlete Luci Anderson told the Associated Press that “It’s kind of an odd contrast to be trying to chase my dreams but also wanting to support the people that are at home fighting for what’s right.”

Anderson’s teammate Margie Freed echoed her support for protesters in a separate interview with the AP.

“Seeing all of the people come together, whether it’s like a little vigil or it’s driving someone where they need to go, it’s really heartwarming and it shows that there’s a lot of love,” Freed said.