A storm of controversy erupted at the Winter Games after several American athletes publicly voiced discontent with current U.S. policies, sparking a fierce reaction from a former president.
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess, 27, ignited the debate by stating that wearing the American flag evoked “mixed emotions” due to concerns over ICE actions. He clarified that his representation of the country was primarily for his personal support network, not necessarily the nation as a whole.
Hess’s teammate, Chris Lillis, a 27-year-old aerials gold medalist, echoed these sentiments, expressing heartbreak over ICE raids and advocating for universal respect and equal treatment for all citizens.
These statements, made during a press conference following the opening ceremony, quickly gained traction and drew a swift and pointed response from the former president.
The former president singled out Hess, labeling him a “real loser” and questioning his suitability for the team. He expressed difficulty in supporting an athlete who seemingly disavowed representing the country.
In a direct message, the former president stated that Hess “should have never tried out for the team” if he harbored such reservations, emphasizing the challenge of cheering for someone with those views.
The situation has ignited a national conversation about the intersection of athletic representation, personal beliefs, and national identity on the world stage.