Trump Criticized Team USA’s Hunter Hess Flashes “L” Sign After Olympic Qualifier

Hunter Hess, an American freeskier, recently competed in the Olympic halfpipe qualifying rounds at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The 27-year-old athlete sparked controversy after comments he made about representing the United States during a press conference stirred backlash from former President Donald Trump.

Hess’s Controversial Gesture

After completing his qualifying run, Hess flashed an “L” sign to the camera. He stated, “Apparently, I’m a loser,” referring to Trump’s criticism directed at him. This backlash followed a news conference where Hess expressed mixed feelings about representing the U.S. amid the Trump administration’s strict immigration enforcement policies.

Expressing Complex Emotions

Hess conveyed his complex emotions by saying that wearing the U.S. flag does not mean he endorses everything happening in the country. He emphasized, “If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing.” His representation is dedicated to friends and family who have supported him throughout his journey.

Trump’s Reaction

Former President Trump reacted strongly to Hess’s comments on TruthSocial, labeling the skier as “a real Loser” and expressing disappointment that he is on the Olympic team. Trump expressed difficulty in rooting for someone with Hess’s views.

Overcoming Adversity

Despite the controversy, Hess qualified for the final, joining three other Americans vying for the nation’s first gold medal at the Livigno Snow Park. He used the negative attention as motivation, stating that he has devoted his life to skiing and will not let outside criticism deter him. “I love the United States of America,” he reiterated, firmly standing by his statements made at the February 6 news conference.

Support Through Challenges

The incident has had personal ramifications for Hess, leading to threats against his family and a challenging training environment. He described the week leading up to the qualifiers as difficult, but credited his family’s support for helping him through. “Skiing has saved my life time and time again,” he reflected.

Standing Firm in Beliefs

Hess affirmed his commitment to his beliefs, emphasizing the importance of expressing his views. “There’s been a lot of hate out there… but I respect people’s opinions,” he noted. Ultimately, he expressed his unwavering love for Team USA and pride in representing the country at the Olympics.