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Team USA Olympians are reacting to President Donald Trump's rant about Hunter Hess.
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For context, Hunter Hess, a 27-year-old freestyle halfpipe skier for Team USA, recently said at a press conference, "It brings up mixed emotions to represent the US right now. I think it's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of. Just because I wear the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US."
Reuters
Though Hess isn't the only US Olympian to have criticized the state of politics back home, as his comments went viral, Trump took to Truth Social to call Hess a "real Loser" and said it's "too bad" he's on the US team.
In turn, Hunter wrote on his Instagram, "I love my country 🇺🇸. There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better. One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete."
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Incidentally, freestyle skier Chris Lillis also criticized the administration at the same press conference as Hess, saying, “I feel heartbroken when it comes to what’s happening in the United States...I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens, as well as everybody, with love and respect. And I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
Reuters
Though he did not draw the personal ire of Trump, Lillis wrote on Instagram yesterday, "Love, dignity and respect to everyone even those who disagree with us❤️I love my country and am proud to represent the USA 🇺🇸."
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Two-time Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim was subsequently asked about Trump's comments at a press conference. The US snowboarder replied, "Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely has hit pretty close to home. I think, in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another, for all that’s going on."
NBC
"I'm really proud to represent the United States. The US has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on, and I think that we need to lead with love and compassion, and I would love to see some more of that," she continued.
NBC
Snowboarders Bea Kim and Maddie Mastro echoed her sentiments, with the latter saying that she's "also saddened with what’s happening at home. It’s really tough. I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice.”
Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images
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