By Gloria Ogbonna
President Donald Trump sharply criticized U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess after the athlete suggested it was difficult for him to represent the United States amid ongoing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.
In a post shared Sunday morning on Truth Social, Trump singled out Hess by name, expressing frustration with the skier’s remarks and questioning his place on the national team. “U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote.
“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. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
The former president’s comments came after statements made by members of Team USA’s freestyle skiing squad during a press conference at the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
According to Breitbart News, several athletes attempted to distance themselves from lawful federal immigration enforcement actions aimed at removing illegal alien criminals from American communities.
Hess, in particular, drew attention for saying it was “a little hard” for him to “wear Team USA gear” given “a lot going on” in the United States that he said he was “not the biggest fan of.” He further clarified his stance by adding, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Those comments quickly sparked backlash from fans and commentators, with some calling for Hess and others who shared similar views to be removed from the Olympic team.
Critics argued that representing the country on the world stage carries a responsibility to stand behind the nation and its institutions, regardless of personal political opinions.
Chad Caton of the Veterans for Trump Coalition weighed in forcefully, condemning Hess’s remarks in a blunt social media post. “What you ski with that flag on your arm and run your mouth on the world stage??” Caton wrote. “Some of us wore that flag on our arm and buried our friends under it. STFU AND GO PLAY IN THE SNOW.”
The controversy also drew a response from a legendary figure in U.S. Olympic history. Breitbart News reported that Mike Eruzione, the captain of the iconic 1980 U.S. men’s hockey team known for the “Miracle on Ice” victory over the Soviet Union, expressed his disappointment on X.
“Hunter Hess US snowboarder saying he doesn’t represent his country but his family and friends,” Eruzione wrote. “Then don’t put on the USA uniform maybe just put for family and friends. Some athletes just don’t get it.”
The debate has reignited broader questions about patriotism, free expression, and the role of athletes representing their country on the international stage especially at events as symbolic and globally visible as the Olympic Games.
Source Breitbart
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