President Donald Trump is going on the offensive after a member of Team USA competing at the Winter Olympics criticized the direction of the United States’ political climate.
American athletes competing at the games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo have been asked questions about their feelings on the country’s current political climate – which has drastically shifted under Trump since he took office a second time.
While some athletes have expressed their thoughts and feelings – including those against the shifting political temperature – with diplomacy, others have taken a more direct approach.
Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier from Oregon set to take part in the halfpipe competition, revealed his mixed feelings about representing the United States during such a difficult time in the country’s history.
‘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,’ the 27-year-old said. ‘Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US.’
Trump took to his account on Truth Social and fired back to say that Hess shouldn’t be competing for the US if he’s going to be vocally against his administration.
President Trump hit back at a member of Team USA, calling him a ‘real loser’
Freestyle skier and Oregon native Hunter Hess, who will compete in the halfpipe, said he ‘doesn’t represent everything going on’ in the US given the country’s current political climate
Hess was derided on social media, with some saying he should be kicked off the team
‘U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,’ Trump said – slightly distorting Hess’ words.
‘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!’
Hess’ comments were fuel to the fire for Trump’s base, who jumped on it and criticized him and fellow Team USA skier Chris Lillis – who shared a similar sentiment.
‘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.’
Another posted: ‘Chris Lillis and Hunter Hess should be sent back home immediately. They have insulted our entire nation on the world stage and should no longer be allowed to represent us.’
‘I won’t watch the Olympics anymore or support @TeamUSA if they can’t just be athletes and proudly represent their country on the world stage without opining their own stances on political issues that have no place in sports. This is beyond disgusting and embarrassing,’ fumed a third.
‘I’d say, “you’re off the team. Pack up and get your a** home.” No ifs, ands, or buts,’ a fourth wrote.
While another put: ‘The anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics. If you’re not proud to represent the red, white, & blue, stay home.’
