Posted on 02/08/2026 1:08:36 PM PST by MinorityRepublican
President Donald Trump is going on the offensive after a member of Team USA competing at the Winter Olympics criticized the direction of the United States' political climate.
American athletes competing at the games in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo have been asked questions about their feelings on the country's current political climate - which has drastically shifted under Trump since he took office a second time.
While some athletes have expressed their thoughts and feelings - including those against the shifting political temperature - with diplomacy, others have taken a more direct approach.
Hunter Hess, a freestyle skier from Oregon set to take part in the halfpipe competition, revealed his mixed feelings about representing the United States during such a difficult time in the country's history.
'It's a little hard. There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren't,' the 27-year-old said. 'Just because I'm wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the US.'
Trump took to his account on Truth Social and fired back to say that Hess shouldn't be competing for the US if he's going to be vocally against his administration.
'U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,' Trump said - slightly distorting Hess' words.
'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!'
Hess' comments were fuel to the fire for Trump's base, who jumped on it and criticized him and fellow Team USA skier Chris Lillis - who shared a similar sentiment.
(Excerpt) Read more at dailymail.co.uk ...
Dear FRiends,
We need your continuing support to keep FR funded. Your donations are our sole source of funding. No sugar daddies, no advertisers, no paid memberships, no commercial sales, no gimmicks, no tax subsidies. No spam, no pop-ups, no ad trackers.
If you enjoy using FR and agree it's a worthwhile endeavor, please consider making a contribution today:
Click here: to donate by Credit Card
Or here: to donate by PayPal
Or by mail to: Free Republic, LLC - PO Box 9771 - Fresno, CA 93794
Thank you very much and God bless you,
Jim
didn’t they educate these people NOT TO TALK POLITICS????
Its ironic how these woke white commies all claim they LOVE open borders yet when Ron DeSantis sent 30 illegals to Martha’s Vineyard they couldnt wait for them to get the hell out of their city “Leave you are gonna ruin our property value!” took less than 18 hours to remove them all..but but, open borders, open borders, yeah as long as they dont come into THEIR wealthy community its all good
I cannot spare this man. He fights!
I don’t think President Trump should be tweeting about some winter Olympics participant. It’s beneath his dignity
This should help the TV ratings of the Olympics. /sarc
British media again agitating in US politics in favor of Davos and London
We don’t allow Russian or Chinese media free rein in the USA. Why do we permit the British to do so?
Talking to Eurotrash is beneath my dignity but I slip up and slum it sometimes.
Trump is right.
A part of the problem is that we have refused to say anything for decades.
So the Left gets to create the Narrative while we are standing on the sidelines saying nothing.
Like Mitt Romney and John McCain.
Designated Losers.
“I don’t think President Trump should be tweeting about some winter Olympics participant. It’s beneath his dignity”
Yet, if the President said nothing about a USA Olympic team member bashing the USA you would call the President spineless and irresponsible for not putting a stop to such insulting and disrespectful behaviors.
Why are they talking at all. Why are they talking to the press. Why aren’t their coaches held responsible
Where are their families
My entire family would be ashamed for life
“ I don’t think President Trump should be tweeting about some winter Olympics participant. It’s beneath his dignity”
Wheee is anyone else doing what must be done?
What?
No one is defending the US against these ignoramuses.
I haven't spoken to him in a few years, but I have to believe seeing these whiners who got to go compete and then trash their own country fills him with utter disgust and heartbreak.
“…from Oregon…”
Well, well.
I think it’s time for DJT to zip it. We need all behave to get through the mid terms.
Now he’s a famous Commie hero. Should have just ignored him.
Indeed. He comes from a deep blue state. It’s what he was taught and it’s the water he swims in. It’s the adults in charge who are responsible for apparently not telling these young people that there is nothing for them to gain, and a lot to lose, from making any political statements whatsoever
He should acquiesce to an ignorant snowboarder living off the US Olympic money, whose coach must be an idiot, for fear of the midterms?
Whoah.
Competes in the half pipe? Suspects he smokes more than a full pipe daily.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.