President Trump is not a fan of U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess, casting him as anti-American.
Hess fell into the president’s crosshairs after telling reporters he had “mixed emotions” representing the United States.
“U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” Mr. Trump posted Sunday on Truth Social. “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.”
In an interview last week in Italy, Hess said there “is obviously a lot going on that I am not the biggest fan of and I think a lot of people aren’t.”
“If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it,” he said. “Just because I am wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that is going on in the U.S.”
“I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people who supported me getting here,” he said.
The comment sparked sharp backlash, including calls for his removal from the Olympic team.
• Seth McLaughlin can be reached at smclaughlin@washingtontimes.com.
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