Hunter Hess answers Trump as Olympians call for unity; debate set to widen back home
Freestyle skier Hunter Hess sought to lower the temperature on Monday, February 9, 2026 (ET), stressing both pride in Team USA and the right of athletes to speak their minds one day after President Trump labeled him “a real loser” in a social media post. Prominent Olympians echoed a message of unity and compassion, even as organizers declined to be drawn into the political back-and-forth.
Hess clarifies stance: pride in country, room to improve
Hess, who drew attention late last week by acknowledging “mixed feelings” about representing the United States amid a tense political climate, used a Monday post to emphasize that his comments came from a place of care for his country. “I love my country,” he wrote, adding that there is “so much that is great about America,” while noting there are “always things that could be better.” He framed the ability to point out shortcomings as a core American freedom and said the Olympics’ power to bring people together is needed “more than ever.”
Looking ahead to his event, Hess said he “cannot wait to represent Team USA next week,” thanking supporters and underscoring that his focus remains on competition.
Snowboard stars urge compassion and unity
Teammates on the snowboarding side described pride in representing the United States while acknowledging a deeply divided moment back home. Bea Kim said she is proud to wear the flag and that the nation’s diversity is a source of strength. Maddie Mastro said she shares pride in the team but is “saddened with what’s happening at home,” adding that she represents American values of “kindness and compassion.”
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Chloe Kim pointed to her family’s immigrant story and called for empathy. “We need to lead with love and compassion,” she said, while reiterating pride in representing the United States and the right of athletes to voice their views.
Eileen Gu: keep the Games about the Games
Freestyle star Eileen Gu, who won silver in freeski slopestyle on Monday, lamented that a political spat was overshadowing the competition. She described the debate as “unrelated to the spirit of the Games,” and urged a return to the core aim of sport: bringing people together across differences. “The whole point of sport is to bring people together,” she said, celebrating the shared language of human performance and urging athletes to focus on their best skiing and riding.
IOC stays out of U.S. political fray; safety handled behind the scenes
An International Olympic Committee spokesperson declined to weigh in on the president’s remarks when asked Monday, saying the organization would not comment on statements from any head of state. The spokesperson also declined to discuss athlete security in public, a standard practice when asked whether Hess required additional protection.
U.S. Olympic officials monitor harassment as athletes speak up
Amid intensified online vitriol, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic officials have acknowledged an increase in harmful messages directed at athletes and said they are working to flag credible threats to law enforcement and remove abusive content. The climate has not deterred athletes from voicing their beliefs: Gus Kenworthy, competing for the United Kingdom at these Games, said it’s important to “stand up to injustice,” a sentiment that has resonated across national teams and disciplines.
What’s next: focus on competition—and the conversation back home
With events set to accelerate this week, Team USA athletes are intent on shifting the spotlight back to performance while continuing to assert their right to express personal views. The broader debate over patriotism and protest in sports is likely to continue in American living rooms and on radio and TV, including among former athletes now prominent in media, such as Boomer Esiason. For the Olympians on the ground, the near-term goal is simpler: channel the noise into focus and let their runs, jumps, and landings do the talking.
