Overview
- President Donald Trump called freestyle skier Hunter Hess a "real loser" on Truth Social after Hess said he had mixed emotions about representing the United States.
- Hess previously told reporters he does not endorse every U.S. policy by wearing the flag, then posted on Instagram that he loves his country, values the right to speak out, and will compete for Team USA next week.
- The U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee said it is focused on Hess’s protection and detailed its monitoring of abusive messages and escalation of credible threats to law enforcement.
- Teammates, including Chloe Kim, voiced support for athletes’ right to speak, while Chris Lillis said he felt heartbroken about federal immigration enforcement following two fatal shootings in Minnesota.
- MAGA-aligned commentators and some Republican officials urged punitive action against Hess, and Vice President JD Vance was booed at the opening ceremony, underscoring the charged atmosphere around the U.S. delegation.