U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess Proudly Defends Patriotism After Trump’s “Loser” Remark
Following a heated exchange with President Trump, U.S. Olympian Hunter Hess has emphatically defended his patriotism. The freestyle skier expressed mixed feelings about representing the United States at the upcoming Winter Olympics, which drew criticism from Trump.
Hunter Hess Stands Proud
In a recent social media post, Hess affirmed his love for America. He stated, “There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better.” He highlighted the country’s ability to have open discussions about these issues as a strength.
Hess is excited to compete for Team USA and emphasized the unifying spirit of the Olympics, saying it’s crucial to foster togetherness during a time of division.
Reactions from Fellow Athletes
Other American athletes have also weighed in on Trump’s remark. Bea Kim expressed pride in representing the United States while acknowledging the country’s current divisions. She noted, “Diversity is what makes us a very strong country.”
- Maddie Mastro: Competing for Team USA, she feels saddened by domestic issues but proud to represent a country she believes embodies kindness.
- Chloe Kim: A two-time Olympic gold medalist, she emphasized the importance of standing up for one another and voiced her belief that the U.S. has provided her family with great opportunities.
International Response
Mark Adams, spokesperson for the International Olympic Committee, refrained from commenting on Trump’s remarks. He highlighted the organization’s commitment to athlete protection but did not address security concerns directly.
Meanwhile, the U.S. and Paralympic Committee acknowledged an alarming increase in harmful messages directed at athletes. They are working to report credible threats and remove harmful content to ensure the safety of their competitors.
Political Stance Among Athletes
Former U.S. Olympian, Gus Kenworthy, who is competing for the United Kingdom in the 2026 Games, shared a powerful message about love for America while advocating for its improvement. He condemned U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, illustrating a broader trend among Olympic athletes voicing political opinions.
This attitude among athletes is not new. J. Simon Rofe, an academic in sports diplomacy, noted that athletes have long used their platforms to engage in political discourse, a trend that is amplified by social media today.
The Bigger Picture
As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, the dialogue surrounding athlete activism and political expression continues to grow. Many athletes are embracing their platforms to promote awareness about social issues while proudly representing their nation. They strive to highlight both their love for the U.S. and the potential for improvement.
