Milan Winter Olympics 2026: Chloe Kim Backs Hess After Trump Attack as Drama Overshadows Medals

US snowboarder Chloe Kim defended her fellow Olympic Team USA athlete Hunter Hess who was referred to by President Donald Trump as 'a real loser' on Sunday over his comments about representing the United States in the Milan Winter Olympics. The freestyle skier also said he didn't support Trump's immigration crackdown.

Hess had said he had 'mixed feelings' about representing the United States at a press conference on Wednesday ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan. During the press conference, Hess 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.'

His statement continued with, 'I think for me it's more I'm representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the US ... Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US,' as shared by The Guardian.

US President Trump didn't back down in criticising Hess over his statement, saying, '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. Very hard to root for someone like this. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!'

Tim Burchett, Tennessee Representative suggested on X that Hess 'shut up and go play in the snow.'

US Teammates Rally Around Hess

Fellow Olympians Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu addressed President Trump's comments in support of Hess. Snowboarder Chloe Kim, who is of South Korean descent and has faced racism, said a day after Trump's comments, 'I think in moments like these, it is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another for all that's going on.'

Chloe Kim said that she was proud to be representing the United States, but that they also have a right to express their views. The 25-year-old athlete said, 'We need to lead with love and compassion, and I'd love to see more of that. Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one hits pretty close to home,' per The New York Times.

She followed up with the statement, 'I'm really proud to represent the United States. The U.S. has given my family so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what's going on.'

Meanwhile, freeskier Eileen Gu, who was born in San Francisco but competes for China, also weighed in on the harsh comments against Hess. She shared having been in contact with Hess following her win in slopestyle where she received a silver medal. Gu shared, 'As someone who's been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes.' Gu drew flak for her decision to represent China.

Gu said, 'The whole point of sport is to bring people together. One of the very few common languages, that of the human body, that of the human spirit, the competitive spirit, the capacity to break not only records, but especially in our sport, literally the human limit. How wonderful is that?'

Snowboarder Maddie Mastro also shared her sentiment on the issue, saying, 'I'm proud to represent Team USA and my country. I'm also saddened about what's happening at home. It's really tough, and I feel like we can't turn a blind eye to that. At the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine, kindness and compassion, and we come together in times of injustice.'