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American skier Hunter Hess appeared to reflect on the “mixed emotions” he said he felt about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Hess drew backlash from President Donald Trump and others when he made his first comments to reporters last week. But after a few days, Hess made it clear he would wear the red, white and blue on one of sports’ biggest stages.
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Hunter Hess of the United States reacts while competing in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final during the 2025 Toyota United States Grand Prix at Copper Mountain on December 20, 2025 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“I love my country,” he wrote with an American flag emoji. “There are so many great things about America, but there are always things that could be better.
“One of the many things that makes this country so incredible is that we have the right and freedom to celebrate it. 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 look forward to representing Team USA next week when I compete.”
Hess’ comments come as the Trump administration faces backlash over the use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement operations. An incident with ICE agents in January left Renee Good dead in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a fatal encounter with Alex Pretti.
Hunter Hess of Team USA reacts after competing in the Men’s Ski Superpipe Final on day two of the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain on February 25, 2023 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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These incidents were apparently used as a catalyst for comments from Hess and teammate Chris Lillis. Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States.
“It brings mixed emotions representing the United States right now, I think. It’s a little tough. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess said.
“I think for me it’s more about representing my friends and family back home, the people who represented them before me, everything that I believe is good about the United States. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing them. Just because I’m carrying the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the United States.
President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the economy during a rally Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Clive, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)
“I just want to do it for my friends, my family and the people who support me to get here.”
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Trump criticized Hess for his comments, calling him a “real loser.”
