US snowboard star Chloe Kim calls for unity after Trump bashes teammate over immigrant crackdown

Olympic Stars Kim and Gu Defend Skier Hess After Trump’s Social Media Attack

Olympic champions Chloe Kim and Eileen Gu have spoken out in defense of American freeskier Hunter Hess, who became the target of former President Donald Trump’s criticism after expressing his views on immigration policies.

Speaking from Livigno, Italy, Kim emphasized the importance of unity during contentious times. “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,” said the two-time Olympic gold medalist, whose South Korean immigrant parents’ background has made her particularly sensitive to the issue.

The controversy began when reporters asked Hess about the recent immigration crackdown in the United States, which has resulted in two protestor deaths in Minnesota and disrupted countless lives. Hess responded, “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Trump swiftly condemned the athlete on his Truth Social platform, labeling Hess “a real Loser” and suggesting he would struggle to support him at the Games. This public rebuke from a former president drew immediate attention within the tight-knit winter sports community.

Gu, who won a silver medal in slopestyle, revealed she had been in contact with Hess following the incident. “As someone who’s been caught in the crossfire before, I feel sorry for the athletes,” said Gu, who faced significant backlash after choosing to compete for China despite being born in San Francisco.

For Kim, whose family history is intertwined with America’s immigrant story, the situation resonated deeply. “My parents being immigrants from Korea, this one definitely hits pretty close to home,” she said ahead of defending her title on Wednesday.

She balanced patriotism with the right to personal expression: “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 that we are allowed to voice our opinions of what’s going on and that we need to lead with love and compassion.”

Other American snowboarders joined the conversation, emphasizing both patriotism and the importance of diverse perspectives. “I think there are a lot of different opinions in the U.S. right now. Obviously we’re very divided,” noted snowboarder Bea Kim. “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 that so special.”

Teammate Maddie Mastro expressed similar sentiments: “I’m also saddened with what’s happening at home. It’s really tough and I feel like we can’t turn a blind eye to that. But at the same time, I represent a country that has the same values as mine of kindness and compassion. And we come together in times of injustice.”

Gu characterized the situation as “an unwinnable press war” for Hess and expressed concern that the controversy could distract from athletic achievements and the Olympic spirit. “I’m sorry that the headline that is eclipsing the Olympics has to be something so unrelated to the spirit of the Games,” she said. “It really runs contrary to everything that the Olympics should be.”

The incident highlights the increasingly complex intersection of sports, politics, and social media, where athletes find themselves navigating public expression of their values while representing their nations on the global stage. For Kim and Gu, both of whom have experienced public scrutiny related to their heritage and nationality, the controversy has prompted them to speak out in solidarity with a fellow athlete caught in political crossfire.

As the Games continue in Livigno, athletes must balance their competitive focus with the reality that their platforms extend beyond sports into broader societal conversations—whether they seek that spotlight or not.