Internet users are widely circulating a side‑by‑side comparison of President Donald Trump and former leader Barack Obama’s messages to U.S. Olympic athletes as backlash against freestyle skier Hunter Hess continues to escalate.
The viral contrast shows a post from Trump calling Hess a “real loser” versus Obama offering encouragement to Team USA has become the latest flashpoint in an already-heated debate over patriotism at the Winter Olympics.
Why It Matters
The contrasting posts have become a focal point in the political fallout surrounding Hess’ comments about having “mixed emotions” representing the United States.
The Olympics are unfolding during a period of heightened domestic tension over federal immigration enforcement and anger following the fatal shooting of two U.S. citizens by federal agents.
The Trump-Obama juxtaposition has therefore taken on symbolic weight, reflecting the competing expectations for how American athletes should speak about their country on the world stage.
What To Know
A viral screenshot posted over the weekend placed Trump’s attack on Hess on Truth Social alongside Obama’s general message of support for all Team USA athletes.
Trump said Hess “shouldn’t have tried out for the Team” after the skier expressed discomfort with the current political climate. Obama, by contrast, praised U.S. Olympians for their “talent and perseverance” and said he and Michelle Obama were cheering them on.
Hess’ earlier remarks came amid national protests against ICE and DHS operations. Fellow skier Chris Lillis also referenced those tensions, saying he felt “heartbroken” by events in the U.S. Conservative commentators, including MAGA Voice and several elected Republicans, have called for Hess to be removed from the team. Others, including Vermont Democratic Senator Bernie Sanders, have defended his right to voice concerns.
What People Are Saying
In a post on X, Barack Obama said: “To all the athletes representing @TeamUSA: I’m so proud of you. Your talent and perseverance have brought you to this moment, and Michelle and I will be joining Americans from across the country cheering you on.”
In a post on Truth Social, President Trump wrote: “U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics. 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 said at a press conference on Wednesday: “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t. I think for me it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S.…Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
What Happens Next
Hess has not responded publicly to Trump or the MAGA‑aligned criticism. The U.S. Freeski Team has not issued a statement. With the Trump-Obama comparison continuing to circulate widely and the Olympics still underway, the political conversation around Team USA athletes is likely to remain a central part of the broader conversation during these games.
Read the full article here
