Chloe Kim Responds to Trump’s Criticism of Hunter Hess: ‘Hits Close to Home’
Chloe Kim, the renowned two-time snowboard halfpipe gold medalist, recently addressed criticism from former President Donald Trump regarding her teammate, Hunter Hess. Trump’s remarks labeled Hess as “a real Loser” over his comments on social media platform Truth Social.
Chloe Kim Defends Team USA and Voices Support
During a press conference in Livigno, Italy, Kim shared her pride in representing the United States while emphasizing the athletes’ right to express their views. She stressed, “We need to lead with love and compassion,” highlighting the importance of unity among athletes.
Kim, who is vying for her third consecutive gold medal—an unprecedented achievement for snowboarders—reflected on her family’s immigrant background. Her parents, Jong Jim Kim and Boran Yun Kim, arrived from South Korea in 1982, making her experiences particularly poignant. “This hits pretty close to home,” she added, underscoring the significance of community support during challenging times.
Hunter Hess Responds to Criticism
Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier set to make his Olympic debut on February 19, has also expressed the difficulties of representing the U.S. given the current political climate. His initial statements included a desire for representation aligned with his personal values, stating, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean that I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Trump’s response to Hess was swift, criticizing him for his lack of support for the country, questioning his commitment to Team USA. However, Hess clarified he never claimed he didn’t represent the United States, but rather pointed out the complexities athletes face in today’s socio-political environment.
Support from Teammates
- Maddie Mastro, another Californian snowboarder, expressed pride in representing Team USA but acknowledged the sadness stemming from current events in her home country.
- Bea Kim, a 17-year-old making her Olympic debut, emphasized the importance of diversity in the U.S., stating it contributes to the country’s strength and uniqueness.
- Maddy Schaffrick, at 31 also making her Olympic debut, highlighted the Games as a celebration of global unity, reinforcing her pride in representing the U.S. on an international stage.
The sentiments from Kim and her teammates collectively underline the resilience of athletes amid a divisive atmosphere. Their voices contribute significantly to the larger conversation about representation, unity, and the values that define the United States during the Olympic Games.
