2026 Winter Olympics stars Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu respond after Trump calls their colleague ‘a loser’

Two of the biggest stars at the 2026 Winter Olympics have spoken out following US President Donald Trump’s comments calling U.S. freestyle skier Hunter Hess “a real loser” after Hess expressed mixed feelings about representing the country amid political tensions.
 

American snowboarder Chloe Kim and Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu addressed the issue during a press conference on Monday, February 9,  emphasizing unity and compassion in sports.

“We need to lead with love and compassion, and I’d love to see more of that,” Kim said. The 25-year-old, who is aiming for a third consecutive Olympic halfpipe gold, added, “Obviously, my parents being immigrants, this one hits pretty close to home.”
 

Gu, a two-time Olympic gold medalist, also spoke about the impact of politics overshadowing the Games. “I’m sorry that the headline eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so unrelated to the spirit of the Games. It really runs contrary to everything the Olympics should be,” the 22-year-old said after winning silver in the freeski slopestyle event, her fourth career Olympic medal.

“As someone who has got caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes. I hope they can ski to their very best,” Gu added.
 

Kim was joined by three Team USA snowboarders, including Maddie Mastro, Bea Kim, and Maddy Schaffrick. Mastro said, “I’m proud to represent Team USA and my country. I also feel saddened by what’s happening at home, but we represent values of kindness and compassion, and we come together in times of injustice.”
 

Bea Kim, 19, highlighted the opportunities athletes have in the U.S., saying, “Diversity is what makes us strong. The four of us here today are an example—we all got to chase our dreams.”

Schaffrick, making her Olympic debut at 31, added, “The Games are the epitome of all countries and cultures coming together in celebration and friendly competition. I’m proud to represent the U.S. and do what I love while wearing the American flag.”

Hess, who will compete in the men’s freeski halfpipe on Feb. 19, had said representing the U.S. “brings up mixed emotions” but also expressed pride in representing his friends, family, and the positive aspects of his country. Trump’s post on Truth Social drew national attention, but the athletes emphasized that sports should unite, not divide.