American skier Hunter Hess appears to be walking back what he described as “mixed emotions” about representing the United States in ski racing. 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Hess faces backlash from president Donald Trump and others in his initial comments to reporters last week. But days later, Hess made it clear what it meant to wear the red, white and blue on one of the biggest stages in sports.

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Hunter Hess reacts during the men’s freeski halfpipe finals at the Toyota U.S. Grand Prix on December 20, 2025 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

“I love my country,” he wrote with an American flag emoji. “There’s a lot of great things about America, but there’s always something that could be done better.

“One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is our right and freedom to point that out. The best part about the Olympics is that it brings people together, and we need that more than ever when so many of us are divided. I can’t wait to represent Team USA next week.”

Hess’s comments came as the Trump administration Facing backlash for using Enforcement actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In January, an incident involving ICE agents resulted in the death of Renee Good in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a fatal encounter with Alex Pretty.

Hunter Hess after competing in the Dew Tour event on February 25, 2023 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Olympic ski star intensifies on-ice criticism after posting photo

The incidents were apparently used as a catalyst for comments from Hess and teammate Chris Lillis. Hess says he has “mixed emotions” about representing Team USA

“I think there are mixed emotions that come with representing the United States right now. It’s a little difficult. There’s obviously a lot of things that I’m not the most passionate about, and I think a lot of people aren’t either,” Hess said.

“I think, for me, it’s more about representing my friends and family back home, the people in front of me, all the good things about America. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I represent it. Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in America.

President Donald Trump delivers a speech about the economy during a rally in Clive, Iowa, on January 27, 2026. (Charlie Nyberg/AP Photo)

“I just wanted to do it for my friends, my family and the people who supported me to get here.”

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Trump slammed Hess for his comments, calling him a “real loser.”

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