LIVIGNO, Italy — The final question for the U.S. women’s snowboard halfpipe team was about President Donald Trump’s criticism of U.S. men’s freeskier Hunter Hess on social media.
“Obviously, there are a lot of things that I’m not the most passionate about,” Hess told a news conference in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. “Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent what’s going on in America
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“I represent my friends and family back home, I represent the people who represent America in front of me, and I think everything that’s good about America, I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I represent it.”
Hess’ teammates on the podium that day also addressed the topic, but only the 27-year-old from Oregon State drew the president’s ire. Trump called Hess a “loser” and did not properly convey what Hess said in the post.
The four-person women’s halfpipe team, led by two-time Olympian Chloe Kim, largely echoed Hess’s initial statement.
“I think there are a lot of different opinions in America right now. We’re obviously very divided,” said 17-year-old Bea Kim. “I’m personally very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.”
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Nowhere else in the world are individuals able to express themselves as freely as Americans, Biagin said.
“I think the four of us sitting here (Monday) are an example of that. We all come from very different backgrounds.”
Chloe Kim’s parents, like Bea Kim’s grandparents, immigrated to the West Coast from South Korea.
“I think that’s also what’s special about the Olympics. Bringing people together from different countries,” while celebrating sport, friendship and respect, Bea Kim said.
Chloe Kim said the recent news “touched my heart” because her immigrants made the sacrifices so many others have made to build better lives for their descendants in the United States.
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“It’s really important for us to come together and support each other through everything that’s going on,” said Chloe Kim. “I’m really proud to represent the United States. It gives me and my family a lot of opportunities. But I also think we can have our say on what’s going on. I think we should lead with love and compassion. I would love to see more of this.”
Maddie Mastro also said she was proud to represent her country.
“I’m also sad about what’s going on at home. It’s really hard and we can’t turn a blind eye to this,” Mastro said.
At the same time, Mastro said, the country she represents has not lost what makes it special — kindness and compassion.
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When Maddy Schaffrick took the microphone, she had nothing to add.
“I feel like the Olympics are the epitome of all countries and cultures coming together to celebrate and compete in a friendly way,” she said. “I am proud to represent the United States, wear the American flag at such an internationally cohesive event, and do what I love while representing America.”
From Hess to figure skater Amber Glenn to ski mogul Chris Lillis, multiple members of Team USA have received online hate for their comments at this Olympics.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: U.S. skiers respond to Donald Trump’s criticism of Hunter Hess