American Olympic skier Hunter Hess 'cannot wait to represent Team USA' after Trump backlash

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American skier Hunter Hess appeared to backtrack on the "mixed emotions" he said he had about representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Hess drew backlash from President Donald Trump and others when he made his initial comments to reporters last week. But after a few days, Hess made clear what it means to wear the red, white and blue on one of the biggest stages in sports.

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Hunter Hess reacts while competing in the men's freeski halfpipe final during the Toyota US Grand Prix on Dec. 20, 2025, in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

"I love my country," he wrote with an American flag emoji. "There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better.

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

Hess’ comments came as the Trump administration faced backlash over the use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in enforcement operations. An incident with ICE agents in January left Renee Good dead in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a deadly encounter with Alex Pretti.

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

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Those incidents were apparently used as the catalyst for the comments from Hess and