Hunter Hess Responds To Donald Trump’s “Loser” Remarks Following The Skier’s Candor ICE Remarks

Hunter Hess will represent Team USA in men’s halfpipe snowboarding with qualifications on February 19 and finals a day later.

Hunter Hess Responds To Donald Trump’s “Loser” Remarks Following The Skier’s Candor ICE Remarks

Hunter Hess, Donald Trump (Images via Brittanica)

In Short
  • Hunter Hess responded to Donald Trump's "loser" remarks, clarifying his comments were aimed at government policies, not his country.
  • Hess expressed pride in representing Team USA while advocating for the right to critique national issues.
  • Team USA snowboarders supported Hess, emphasizing the importance of diversity and the need to address injustices in the country.

The American skier Hunter Hess has responded to the spiteful comments made by the sitting US president, Donald Trump, in reply to Hess’s original thoughts on the current political atmosphere in the country. The skier, who’s set to represent the nation in men’s freeski halfpipe, admitted that he had mixed emotions about representing the USA.

Hess stated that while he was wearing the flag, he clarified that he did not represent the current developments in the country. He was referring to the uptick in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) related killings in the country, including the murders of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

In the immediate aftermath of Hess’s remarks, he was met with right-wing backlash. Mike Eruzione, Brett Favre, Rudy Giulani and Jake Paul lashed out at his remarks and called on the US Olympic and Paralympic Committee to disqualify Hess from his Olympic sport. Trump, who’s turning 80 this year, also joined in, calling the skier a “real loser.”

Hess has now come out with a response to the backlash he’s facing. On a social media post, he signalled that his words were aimed at the government rather than the assumption that he has some ill will towards his homeland. He claimed that there are several positives about the USA, especially the right and freedom to point out the areas where they are lacking and start bettering themselves.

He also added that he loves the country and “cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.“

Meanwhile, the International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams did not have a response for journalists with regard to Trump’s remark about an athlete. Adams added that he won’t comment on any statement made by Trump or any other head of state.

Team USA’s female halfpipe snowboarders address Trump’s remarks on Hunter Hess

On Monday, Team USA snowboarders were asked to address the remarks made by the business mogul about a fellow halfpipe athlete, Hunter Hess. Bea Kim, who’s on her maiden Olympics, admitted that there are several differing opinions in the country right now.

Hunter Hess
Hunter Hess (Image via Getty Images)

She said that she’s proud to represent the USA, but held that “the diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.” The Latino and Black minorities have been the most affected by the ICE activities. According to several recent reports, nine in ten arrests made by ICE belonged to an individual from the Latino community.

Kim’s halfpipe teammate, Maddie Mastro, commented that they “can’t turn a blind eye to that.” She added that inspite of the same, she’s proud to represent a country that shares values akin to her own, compassion and kindness. She also called on people to come together during times of injustice.

Chloe Kim, who’s returning for her third Winter Olympics, highlighted her immigrant background. The two-time halfpipe Olympic medalist was born to two South Korean parents. She echoed the statements made by her fellow teammates, noting that she’s proud to wear the uniform. She told reporters:

I think that I’m really proud to represent the United States. The U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity.

She added that the athletes and people, in general, should be allowed to voice opinions about the happenings of their country. She called for more collaboration and led the way with kindness and love.

The women’s halfpipe snowboarding will commence today with the qualification. There will be 24 athletes, including Bea, Chloe, and Mastro, from whom the top 12 will advance to the finals on February 12, 2026. Meanwhile, men’s competition would only take place much later, on February 19 and 20.

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