U.S. Olympians Defend Free Speech After Trump Calls Skier Hunter Hess a 'Loser'

Overview

• Trump criticized Hunter Hess on Truth Social after the freestyle skier said he felt ambivalent about representing the United States.
• Hess told reporters that wearing the flag does not mean he endorses everything happening in the country, citing current U.S. issues.
• Chloe Kim and fellow U.S. athletes, including Maddie Mastro, publicly affirmed that American competitors have the right to voice their views.
• Trump allies amplified the attacks, with Katie Miller and Rep. Tim Burchett issuing sharp rebukes of the skier’s comments.
• Hess responded that he loves the United States, thanked supporters, and saw his social media following roughly double as attention grew.