American Hunter Hess responds to Trump’s ‘loser’ criticism with ‘L’ gesture at Milan Cortina Olympics

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American freeskier Hunter Hess flashed an "L" hand signal after finishing his Olympic halfpipe qualifying run Friday, an apparent nod to President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Olympian, who previously said he had "mixed emotions" about representing the U.S. at the Milan Cortina Games.

Hess shaped his index finger and thumb to form the letter "L" and raised his hand to his forehead after finishing his run. 

United States' Hunter Hess reacts during the men's freestyle skiing halfpipe qualifications at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Livigno, Italy, Feb. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)

"Apparently," he explained, according to The Associated Press. "I'm a loser."

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The remark was a reference to Trump’s earlier criticism of Hess, in which the president called him a "real loser" in a social media post following Hess’ controversial remarks about representing the United States at the Olympics under the current administration.

 "I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my entire life to make this happen," Hess said Friday. "I’m not going to let controversy like that get in my way. I love the United States of America. I cannot say that enough. My original statement, I felt like I said that, but apparently people didn’t take it that way. I’m so happy to be here, so happy to represent Team USA."

Hess was among a group of U.S. freestyle skiers and other American athletes to address their thoughts on representing the U.S. at Milan Cortina. During a press conference before his events, Hess said he had "mixed emotions" about it.

Hunter Hess of the United States reacts while competing in