American snowboarding star Chloe Kim defended her fellow Team USA teammate after President Donald Trump called for their removal from the Winter Olympics.
US 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.
Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier from Oregon set to take part in the halfpipe competition, was critical: ‘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.
‘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.
Team USA snowboarder Chloe Kim defended her teammate’s right to make critical comments
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
President Trump hit back at Hess in a post to his Truth Social account, calling him a ‘real loser’
‘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!’
This interaction led to reporters asking Kim her thoughts on the matter. The two-time Olympic snowboard gold medalist defended her teammate’s right to free speech.
‘My parents being immigrants, this one hits pretty close to home and I think in moments like these it’s important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that’s going on and I think I’m really proud to represent the United States,’ Kim responded.
‘The US has given my family and I so much opportunity but I also think we’re allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on and I think we need to lead with love and compassion and I would love to see more of that.’
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.’
Kim said that
Hess was derided on social media, with some saying he should be kicked off the team
‘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 [on] 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.’
