Winter Olympian Who Cried About ICE Goes Home Empty-Handed — Whines That Trump Criticism Made It ‘Hardest Two Weeks of My Life’
Hunter Hess during a press conference ahead of the Winter Olympics earlier this month.
American freeskier Hunter Hess said the past two weeks have been the most challenging period of his life after President Donald Trump publicly criticized him during the Winter Olympics.
Trump’s remarks followed comments Hess made about having mixed emotions while representing the United States, citing concerns about immigration enforcement by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the administration’s deportation policies.
Posting on Truth Social earlier in the month, Trump wrote that Hess “doesn’t represent his Country” and called the skier “a real loser,” adding that it was “too bad he’s on” the U.S. Olympic team.
Hess went on to qualify for the men’s freeski halfpipe final. During qualification, he briefly formed an “L” shape with his hand — a gesture he later acknowledged.
“Apparently, I am a loser,” Hess said afterward. “I am leaning into it.”
He advanced to the final but did not land a clean run and finished 10th, missing the podium.
Despite the controversy, Hess said he stands by his earlier statements and does not regret speaking out.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now… Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
– Team USA Olympic Skier Hunter HessThe anti-ICE, liberal athletes are already insufferable at the Olympics…
If… pic.twitter.com/yn7ruEHbFr
— Jon Root (@JonnyRoot_) February 7, 2026
“I worked so hard to be here,” he said. “I sacrificed my entire life to make this moment happen. I’m not going to let controversy like that get in my way. I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough.”
He added that he was proud to represent the U.S. and compete at the Games.
“I’m so happy to be here, so happy to represent Team USA and ride as much as I can. I stand with what I said,” he said.
Hess described the public backlash as unprecedented in his career.
“There was a lot of noise, and I’ve never been subject to that type of criticism,” he said. “But with my family’s help, I was able to get through it. It was probably the hardest two weeks of my life.”
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