Overview
- President Donald Trump called Hunter Hess “a real loser” on Truth Social on Feb. 8 after the skier questioned fully representing the United States.
- Hess told reporters he had mixed emotions about competing for Team USA and said wearing the flag does not mean endorsing everything happening in the country.
- Teammate Christopher Lillis said he was heartbroken by actions of the Trump administration and the immigration enforcement agency ICE.
- News reports noted that some ICE agents traveled to Italy with the U.S. delegation, and Vice‑President JD Vance was loudly booed at the Milan opening ceremony.
- Several U.S. athletes reported hostile messages online after their comments, and figure skater Amber Glenn said she would limit social media use to protect her wellbeing.