Ski champion clarifies comments about ‘mixed feelings’ following Trump’s backlash

American skier Hunter Hess has seemingly changed his stance regarding his representation of the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy. Initially, his comments about feeling “mixed emotions” drew criticism, notably from President Donald Trump. However, shortly after those remarks, he expressed his intention to proudly wear the red, white, and blue during the Olympics.

In a recent social media post, Hess stated, “I love my country,” and highlighted the wonderful aspects of America while suggesting there are flaws that need addressing. He emphasized that the Olympics serve to unite people, especially important during times of division within the country. “I can’t wait to represent Team USA next week,” he added.

This comes amid scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration policies, particularly incidents involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that have garnered significant attention and concern.

Hess had previously shared his complex feelings about representing the U.S., mentioning the difficulties of patriotism in light of ongoing issues. He noted, “I think representing the United States right now brings up mixed emotions. There’s a lot going on that I’m obviously not a big fan of, and I don’t think a lot of people are either.” He clarified that wearing the flag means representing values and people he believes in, not necessarily endorsing all current events in America.

In his words, “I want to do it for my friends and family and the people who helped me get to this point.” This statement, reflecting a deep personal connection to his roots, stands in contrast to the backlash he’s received, particularly from President Trump, who labeled his sentiments as those of a “real loser.”