Team USA snowboarder Chloe Kim addressed recent disparaging comments made by President Donald Trump about American Olympian Hunter Hess.
“My parents being immigrants, this one definitely hits pretty close to home,” Kim, 25, told reporters at the 2026 Winter Olympics on Monday, February 9. “I think in moments like these it is really important for us to unite and stand up for one another for all that’s going on.”
She added, “I’m really proud to represent the United States. The U.S. has given my family and I so much opportunity, but I also think we are allowed to voice our opinions on what’s going on. I think that we need to lead with love and compassion. I would love to see some more of that.”
Kim was asked to respond after Trump, 79, criticized Team USA freestyle skier Hess, 27, over comments he made at the Games on Friday, February 6.
“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now,” Hess told reporters. “It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of.”
Hess added, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
Trump responded via social media app Truth Social on Sunday, February 8, writing, “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!”
Kim further detailed her family’s story of sacrifice in a social media post to coincide with the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics, her third time representing Team USA at the Games.
“This one feels especially meaningful for so many reasons,” Kim shared via Instagram. “My parents left South Korea in search of a better future for their family. They left behind everything they knew so that my sisters and I could have the chance to one day live the American dream. Their sacrifice is one I will never take for granted.”
She continued, “So when I stand at the top of the halfpipe, competing on the biggest stage in sport, I do so with immense pride. I am representing my country but I am also representing those who took a leap of faith, who came to this beautiful nation carrying hopes, dreams, and courage.”
“I am proud of my heritage,” Kim added. “I am proud of my journey. And I am proud to represent a country that is strongest when it embraces diversity, dignity, and hope. GO TEAM USA!! ❤️🤍💙.”
Kim is set to begin her 2026 Olympic journey in women’s halfpipe qualifying on Wednesday, February 11.
Hess hasn’t been the only Team USA athlete to speak out about the current political climate back home.
“I feel heartbroken when it comes to what’s happening in the United States,” Hess’ fellow freestyle skier Chris Lillis told reporters during the same press conference. “I think as a country we need to focus on respecting everybody’s rights and making sure that we’re treating our citizens, as well as everybody, with love and respect. And I hope that when people look at athletes competing in the Olympics, they realize that that’s the America we’re trying to represent.”
