Hunter Hess’s Mixed Emotions Stir Controversy at Winter Olympics

On February 8, 2026, President Donald Trump voiced his disapproval of Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess, who expressed having “mixed emotions” about representing the U.S. at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. Hess’s statement came during a Team USA Freeski Team press conference before the opening ceremonies. Trump commented on his social media platform, labeling Hess as a “loser” and questioning his commitment to the team, saying, “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.”

The White House has yet to respond to the president’s remark. Meanwhile, Hess, reflecting on the complexities of representing his country amidst prevailing domestic issues, stated, “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.” When asked about the significance of wearing Team USA colors in hopes of uniting the country, Hess conveyed that his primary motivation was representing his personal values and those of his friends and family. He added, “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.”

In Italy, protests emerged around the Games, partially fueled by unsubstantiated claims that The U.S. would be deploying Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for security purposes. In an official statement, U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino, Tilman J. Fertitta, clarified that personnel from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) would have an “advisory and intelligence-based” presence, stating, “All security operations will remain the responsibility of Italian authorities.”

In the same press event, fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis also shared mixed emotions, expressing his concerns over domestic affairs back in the United States. Lillis remarked, “I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States. 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 shared his hope that when audiences watch the Olympic athletes, they recognize the values of respect and unity they aim to represent.