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Two-time gold medalist U.S. snowboarder Chloe Kim called for unity and showed support for skier Hunter Hess after President Donald Trump called him "a real loser" for stating that he had "mixed emotions" representing the United States in the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
“Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one definitely has hit pretty close to home,” said Kim, a two-time gold medalist, when she was asked about Trump’s description of Hess during a news conference on Monday (February 9) via NBC News.
“In moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another, for all that’s going on,” she said.
Kim, 25, said she was proud to represent the U.S., but acknowledged that, “We are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on, and I think that we need to lead with love and compassion, and I would love to see some more of that.”
Hess, who will compete in the men's freeski halfpipe event next week, said he had mixed emotions about representing the United States due to his views on the Trump administration's crackdown on immigration in Minnesota.
“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t," Hess said via NBC News.
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” he added.
Trump responded to Hess' comments with a scathing post on his Truth Social account, claiming Hess shouldn't have tried out for the team.
“It’s too bad he’s on it,” Trump wrote. “Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Hess said that while he believes there is much great about the United States, things could always improve.
"I love my country," he wrote. "There is so much that is great about 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 the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.
"Thanks to everyone for their support."
Kim will compete in the halfpipe event at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, having won gold in the event during the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Games.