Trump calls Olympian Hunter Hess a 'real loser’ over skier's brutally honest opinion on US

Donald Trump has called out US Olympian Hunter Hess after the skier revealed his honest opinion about representing his country right now.

The 2026 Winter Olympics are underway in Milan amid the US president’s crackdown on immigration and other controversial measures.

During a press conference on Friday (6 Feb), the 27-year-old athlete spoke about the conflicting emotions he feels about representing his country in a time that has been marred with political turmoil.

“It’s a little hard,” Hess told the press. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t.”

He added: “I think for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home… all the things that I believe are good about the United States.

American Hunter Hess spoke about the politics of his country as he competes in the 2026 Winter Olympics (Dustin Satloff/U.S. Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)

“Just because I wear the flag, it doesn’t mean I represent everything that is going on in the US.

"I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here.”

Well, Trump heard the comments and was not best pleased.

The 79-year-old addressed the Olympian directly via his Truth Social platform two days later.

"US Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” the president lamented. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it.”

Donald Trump shared his response on Truth Social (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“Very hard to root for someone like this,” Trump added. “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

Hess spoke at the press conference alongside fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis, also 27, who said he feels ‘heartbroken’ over the discusses surrounding immigration in the US

“A lot of times, athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things,” Lillis reflected. “I feel heartbroken about what’s happening in the United States.”

And during a sports event closer to home, Trump hit out at Puerto Rican musician Bad Bunny, who headlined the 2026 Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday (8 February).

"The Super Bowl Halftime Show is absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER!," Trump said on Truth Social.

Trump also criticised Bad Bunny this weekend (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

"It makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence."

"Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World," he added.

"This 'Show' is just a 'slap in the face' to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day — including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History!"

"There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD — And, by the way, the NFL should immediately replace its ridiculous new Kickoff Rule. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN! President DONALD J. TRUMP."