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American skier Hunter Hess appeared to backtrack on the “mixed emotions” he said he had about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Hess drew backlash from President Donald Trump and others when he made his initial comments to reporters last week. But after a few days, Hess made it clear that he would wear the red, white and blue on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
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Hunter Hess of the United States reacts while competing in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final during the 2025 Toyota Grand Prix of the United States at Copper Mountain on December 20, 2025 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
“I love my country,” he wrote with an American flag emoji. “There are many wonderful things in 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 freedom to point it out. The best part about the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided, we need it more than ever. I can’t wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.”
Hess’ comments came as the Trump administration faced backlash over its use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement operations. An incident with ICE agents in January left Renee Good dead in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a deadly encounter with Alex Pretti.
Team USA’s Hunter Hess reacts after competing in the Men’s Ski Superpipe Final on day two of the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain on February 25, 2023 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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Those incidents were apparently used as a catalyst for comments from Hess and teammate Chris Lillis. Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the United States.
“I think it brings mixed emotions to represent America right now. It’s a little difficult. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not a big fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess said.
“I think, for me, the important thing is to represent my friends and family in my country, the people who represented it before me, all the things that I think are good about America. 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 happening in America.
President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the economy at a rally Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Clive, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)
“I just want to do it for my friends, my family and the people who support me to get here.”
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Trump criticized Hess for the comments, calling him a “real loser.”
