U.S. snowboarders responded to a question about Donald Trump’s criticism of fellow athlete Hunter Hess.
The athletes expressed pride in representing the U.S. while also acknowledging the nation’s current divisions.
Several team members, including Chloe Kim and Bea Kim, highlighted their immigrant backgrounds and the opportunities America provided.
The snowboarders emphasized that representing the U.S. does not mean they agree with everything happening in the country.
LIVIGNO, Italy — The last question to the United States women’s snowboard halfpipe team was about President Donald Trump’s social-media criticism of Team USA men’s free skier Hunter Hess.
‘There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,’ Hess said at a news conference in Milan ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics. ‘Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.
‘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. I just think if it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it.’
Hess’ teammates on the dais with him that day also addressed the topic, but only the 27-year-old from Oregon drew the president’s ire. Trump called Hess a ‘loser’ and did not properly convey what Hess said in his post.
The four-member women’s halfpipe team, led by two-time Olympian Chloe Kim, largely echoed what Hess originally said.
‘I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously, we’re very divided,’ Bea Kim, 17, said. ‘I personally am very proud to represent the United States. That being said, I think diversity is what makes us a very strong country and what makes us so special.’
Nowhere else in the world can an individual express themself with the level of freedom Americans can, Bea Kim said.
‘I think the four of us sitting here (Monday) are an example of that. We all came from very different backgrounds.’
Chloe Kim’s parents, like Bea Kim’s grandparents, immigrated to the West Coast from South Korea.
‘I think that’s also so special about the Olympics. Bringing people together from different countries,’ while celebrating sport, friendship and respect, Bea Kim said.
Chloe Kim said the recent news has ‘hit really close to home’ because her immigrants made the sacrifice many others have done to build a better life for their descendants in America.
‘It is really important for us to unite and kind of stand up for one another with all that’s going on,’ Chloe Kim said. ‘I’m really proud to represent the United States. It’s given my family and I so much opportunity. But I also think that we are allowed to voice our opinions of what’s going on. And I think that we should lead with love and compassion. And I’d love to see more of that.’
Maddie Mastro agreed that she is proud to represent her country.
‘I’m also saddened with what’s happening at home. It’s really tough and we can’t turn a blind eye to that,’ Mastro said.
At the same time, Mastro said, she represents a country that has not lost what makes it special – kindness and compassion.
By the time Maddy Schaffrick grabbed the mic, she didn’t have much to add.
‘I feel like the Olympics is the epitome of all countries and cultures coming together in celebration and friendly competition,’ she said. ‘I’m proud to represent the U.S. and wear the American flag in such an internationally cohesive event, and do what I love while representing the U.S.’
Multiple members of Team USA have received online hate for their comments leading into these Games, from Hess to figure skater Amber Glenn to moguls skier Chris Lillis.