Rusty Weiss
American Olympic freestyle skier Hunter Hess has reaffirmed his excitement to represent Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, following significant backlash over earlier comments expressing “mixed emotions” about competing under the American flag.
Last week, during a press conference, Hess remarked that representing the U.S. was “a little hard” amid various national issues. To be fair, the young man is being asked dumb questions by reporters. And he seems ill-prepared for the spotlight.
Instead of saying something along the lines of ‘I’d just like to focus on my event’ he spat out this:
“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 it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.”
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
That was a fail on Handling the Media 101. But now he seems to have had a change in tune.
Skier Hunter Hess Faces Trump Criticism Over “Mixed Emotions” Remarks, Then Declares Pride in Representing America
Hess’s comments sparked sharp criticism, including from President Trump, who called him a “real loser” on Truth Social and said it’s difficult to cheer for someone like him.
“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,” the President said of Hess saying he does not represent some parts of America.
The American skier tried to clear things up on Monday.
“I love my country,” he wrote on social media. “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,” he added. “I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.”
His post included an American flag emoji.
READ MORE: NASCAR Delivers the Fire with All-American Super Bowl Ad
Will that be enough to change President Trump’s mind? Will that be enough to change the minds of veterans who lambasted Hess for his comments?
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Buzz Patterson, known for carrying the nuclear football during his service, called the remarks “unacceptable.”
“Dude gets supported by the US and trashes us in Italy,” he wrote.
Another veteran, retired USAF First Sergeant known as YourFirstSergeant on X, urged Team USA to stay out of politics abroad.
“You are representing our country, ALL of our country. Stay the hell out of politics on foreign soil, or come home. Period,” he said. “You don’t represent me.”
In contrast, American tennis players at the recent Australian Open were far more adept at handling these types of questions, avoiding criticism of the U.S. during their event.
Perhaps Hess learned his lesson.