American freeskier Hunter Hess said the past two weeks have been the most difficult of his life after President Donald Trump called him “a real loser” during the Winter Olympics.
Trump criticized Hess after the skier said he had mixed feelings about representing the United States, citing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers carrying out the administration’s pledge to deport millions of illegal immigrants living in the country.
“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump posted on Truth Social earlier this month.
“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.”
On Friday, Hess advanced to the men’s freeski halfpipe final.
During qualification, he made an “L” sign with his hand, later acknowledging the gesture.
“Apparently, I am a loser,” Hess said. “I am leaning into it.”
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now… Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
– Team USA Olympic Skier Hunter HessThe anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics…
If… pic.twitter.com/yn7ruEHbFr
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 7, 2026
Hess qualified for the final but was unable to secure a medal. He finished 10th after failing to land a clean run.
Despite the controversy, Hess said he does not regret turning his Olympic dream into political activism.
“I worked so hard to be here,” he said. “I sacrificed my entire life to make this moment happen. I’m not going to let controversy like that get in my way.”
“I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough,” he continued.
”I’m so happy to be here, so happy to represent Team USA and ride as much as I can. I stand with what I said.”
Hess said that it had been the most difficult time of his life.
“There was a lot of noise, and I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism,” he said. “But with my family’s help, I was able to get through it.”
“It was probably the hardest two weeks of my life,” he added.
