President Trump called Olympic skier Hunter Hess "a real loser" Sunday after Hess described the "mixed emotions" of representing the U.S. at the 2026 Games.
Why it matters: While the Olympics traditionally unite Americans behind their athletes, the Milano Cortina Games have become the latest flashpoint, with the president once again targeting elite athletes representing the U.S. who have used their platform to criticize him.
- But that hasn't kept Team USA athletes from condemning the administration and discussing the America they choose to represent.
Context: Wearing the flag, Hess told reporters, doesn't mean he represents the state of the country in its entirety. He said representing the U.S. "brings up mixed emotions."
- "There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't."
- "I think for me, it's more I'm representing my like friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S."
Friction point: Trump lashed out at the X Games bronze medalist on Truth Social. "He shouldn't have tried out for the Team, and it's too bad he's on it."
- He added, "Very hard to root for someone like this."
- Team USA did not respond to Axios' request for comment.
Zoom out: Other athletes have also protested the administration or alluded to the same friction as the Oregonian skier.
- Gus Kenworthy, now skiing for Great Britain after previously representing the U.S., shared an Instagram photo that appeared to show "f--k ICE" written in snow with urine ahead of the opening ceremony.
- Minnesota cross-country skiing star Jessie Diggins wrote on Instagram, "I'm racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate or violence or discrimination."
- And three-time U.S. figure skating champion Amber Glenn has spoken out about the challenges the LGBTQ+ community has faced under the president's second term. While some people tell her to stick to sports, she says, she will "not just be quiet."
Flashback: Trump has clashed with athletes before.
- He told a 2021 rally crowd Americans were "happy" the U.S. women's soccer team fell to Sweden, framing the loss as a result of "wokeism."
- In 2023, he lashed out at the team again and mocked star Megan Rapinoe, writing, "Nice shot Megan, the USA is going to Hell!!!"
- During the 2024 Games, he falsely claimed two women boxers were men.
Go deeper: How, when and where to watch the 2026 Winter Olympics
