Dustin Satloff, U.S. Ski Team/Courtesy Photo
U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday criticized some American Olympians for speaking out against his administration’s policies.
Reporters asked U.S. athletes at a news conference on Friday how they feel representing the country during the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement actions. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess replied that he had mixed emotions.
“It’s a little hard,” he said. “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t. I think for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S … I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.”
Trump said the next day that Hess’ comments make it hard to cheer for him.
“Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it,” he wrote on his Truth Social account.
Winter Park halfpipe contender Svea Irving responded to a similar question at the same news conference as she was sitting next to Hess.
“It’s definitely a tough time in our country right now,” Irving said. “I just continue to represent my values which is compassion and respect and love for others, and also to represent my community at home and those that have given us the opportunities to be here. It’s a very special experience.”
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