American freestyle skier Hunter Hess has issued a backtracking statement affirming his love for the United States after facing intense backlash for saying he has “mixed emotions” about representing our country in the Olympics.
As The Gateway Pundit previously reported, Hess, a 24-year-old athlete from Bend, Oregon, competing in the freestyle halfpipe event, sparked outrage during a Team USA press conference last week.
When asked about wearing the American flag amid ongoing political tensions, including over immigration enforcement under the Trump administration, Hess said, “It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now. 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 added, “Just because 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.”
Team USA skier: Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the US. pic.twitter.com/1ZDvKB4A8a
— Headquarters (@HQNewsNow) February 6, 2026
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The comments drew swift criticism, including from President Donald Trump, who took to Truth Social to label Hess a “real Loser.”
Trump wrote, “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.”
On Monday, in a new Instagram post, Hess appears to have reversed course.
A post shared by Hunter Hess (@hunterhess10)
The athlete wrote in a statement:
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. 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.
The response on social media was mixed, with many questioning Hess’ sincerity, suggesting it was prompted by the backlash and potential loss of endorsements.
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