Another American Olympian is speaking out after President Donald Trump publicly targeted a U.S. athlete during the Winter Games in Italy.
Snowboarding star Chloe Kim addressed the issue after Trump lashed out at freestyle skier Hunter Hess for comments he made about representing the United States during a tense political period.
Hess had been asked about ongoing immigration raids and unrest back home.
“Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.,” Hess said while speaking to reporters in Italy.
Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Hess “a real loser” and saying he would struggle to support him at the Games.
Kim addressed the situation during a press conference at Livigno Snow Park, where she spoke openly about why the issue matters to her. “Obviously my parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home,” Kim said.
Stay up-to-date with the latest news!
Subscribe and start recieving our daily emails.
She pointed out that national pride doesn’t come at the cost of speaking out.
“The U.S. has given my family and me so much opportunity, but I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on,” she said.
Kim also emphasized how athletes should treat one another during periods of national strain.
“I think that we need to lead with love and compassion, and I would love to see some more of that,” she added.
🚨 BREAKING: U.S. Olympian Chloe Kim speaks out:
“In moments like these it’s really important for us to unite… We need to lead with love and compassion.”
This is what courage looks like — athletes using their platform anyway, knowing the president might try to bully them for… pic.twitter.com/jQ8SvuWYSP
— Brian Allen (@allenanalysis) February 9, 2026
Support for Hess extended beyond Kim.
Snowboarder Bea Kim, 19, spoke about what representation means to her as an American athlete. “Obviously we’re very divided,” she said. “I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country.”
She pointed to the athletes around her as proof of that idea.
“We all came from very different backgrounds, and we all got to chase our dreams and be here,” she said.
Teammate Maddie Mastro also shared her reaction.
“I’m also saddened with what’s happening at home,” she said. “It’s really tough, and I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that.”
Even athletes outside Team USA have reacted.
Freestyle skier star Eileen Gu said she felt for Hess after seeing the response directed at him. “I feel so sad that he’s in this situation,” Gu said. “It seems like an unwinnable press war for him right now.”
Political tensions have followed the U.S. team to Milan. Immigration enforcement tied to the delegation has caused anger, and Vice President JD Vance was booed at the opening ceremony.
Featured image via X screengrab
