Olympian Chloe Kim defends teammate Hess after Trump calls him a loser over immigration comments

Olympic snowboarder Chloe Kim publicly defended freestyle skier Hunter Hess on February 9, 2026, after President Trump called Hess "a real Loser" on Truth Social. Hess had told reporters at the Winter Olympics in Milan that representing the US "brings up mixed emotions" given immigration enforcement actions — a statement Trump mischaracterized as refusing to represent the country. Kim, whose parents are Korean immigrants, said athletes have a right to voice opinions and urged teammates to "lead with love and compassion."