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The Olympics are often an opportunity for Americans to come together, but a total escape from politics is just about impossible.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan had political undertones before the games even began. Reporters asked many American athletes about their opinion on Donald Trump's administration and other hot-button issues. While many opted to stay away from controversy, some gave honest answers.
An answer by skier Hunter Hess not only went viral, but it made its way back to Trump, who did not mince words when he responded.
Here's a look at what Hess said and how he seemed to address Trump's response at the Olympics.
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What did Hunter Hess say?
Speaking to reporters on Feb. 6, Hess said he had mixed emotions representing the United States at the Olympics and preferred to represent his "friends and family" in the U.S. rather than the country itself.
"It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now I think. It's a little hard. 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 I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S."
Later on, Hess doubled down on his stance.
"Just 'cuz I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S. I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that supported me getting here," he told reporters.
Hess was just one of many athletes asked to share his thoughts on representing the United States during what some believe are divided times, but he was one of the few to answer the question head-on. Clips of Hess' response quickly went viral, and Trump responded to the controversy as the Olympics got underway.
Here's a look at what Trump had to say.
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What did Donald Trump say about Hunter Hess?
Trump blasted Hess in a Truth Social post on Feb. 8, calling the skier a "real loser."
"U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. 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," Trump said.
— Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) February 8, 2026Hess responded on social media, seemingly taking the high road rather than hitting back at Trump.
"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," Hess said. "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. Thanks to everyone for their support."
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Hunter Hess 'L' sign, explained
After a qualifying run in the men's halfpipe, Hess seemed to reference Trump's comments by putting his hand to his head in the shape of an "L."
"Apparently, I'm a loser," Hess said after qualifying for the final by finishing fifth among 25 skiers.
Hess needed to post a score that ranked top-12 among the 25 competitors during qualifiers. He was one of four Americans to advance to the final, giving the United States a strong chance at a medal in the final.
Here's a complete look at Hess' Olympic results to this point.
Hunter Hess Olympics results
Hess's only event at the 2026 Olympics is the men's halfpipe, which holds its qualifying runs and final on Feb. 20.
| Event | Score | Finish |
| Men's halfpipe qualifying | 85.00 | 5th (advanced to final) |
| Men's halfpipe final |
Hess is one of four Americans in the final, as he is joined by Birk Irving, Alex Ferreira and Nick Goepper.
English (US)