Senator Bernie Sanders Defends Olympian Hunter Hess Amid Trump Criticism
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont stepped into a heated national debate on Sunday, defending American Olympian Hunter Hess after President Donald Trump disparaged the skier for expressing ambivalence about representing the United States at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Hess, who competed in the men’s ski halfpipe, had voiced “mixed emotions” about his role as a U.S. athlete, a statement that drew sharp rebuke from the former president, who called Hess a “real loser.”
Responding on the social media platform X, Sanders wrote, “Trump called American Olympian Hunter Hess a ‘real loser’ for criticizing what’s happening in our country under Trump. Mr. President, this is not a monarchy. This is the United States and no one is required to bow down to you. Hess is not a loser. He’s a proud American.”
The controversy surrounding Hess’s comments comes amid heightened scrutiny of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies, particularly the actions of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). In January, ICE agents were involved in an incident in Minnesota that resulted in the death of Renee Good, while U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents also had a deadly encounter with Alex Pretti. These events have sparked national conversations about the role and conduct of federal immigration agencies.
Hess’s teammate, Chris Lillis, also echoed concerns about the current state of the country, reflecting a broader unease among some athletes about representing the U.S. during a politically charged era. Their remarks have highlighted the complex emotions many Americans feel about national identity and governance.
Senator Sanders’s defense of Hess underscores a growing divide in public discourse over patriotism and dissent. Sanders emphasized that criticism of government policies should not be equated with a lack of patriotism, a sentiment echoed by various civil liberties organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union, which advocates for the right to free expression.
President Trump’s reaction to Hess’s comments is consistent with his often combative style toward critics. His labeling of Hess as a “real loser” sparked backlash from political figures and citizens alike who viewed it as an unfair personal attack on an athlete who has represented his country on the world stage.
As the Winter Olympics continue, the debate surrounding Hess’s remarks and the responses they elicited reflect broader national tensions about leadership, identity, and the meaning of representing the United States internationally. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE and Border Patrol, faces ongoing challenges balancing enforcement with public accountability, a context that informs much of the current discourse.
Hunter Hess’s experience is a reminder that athletes, like all Americans, navigate complex feelings about their country, especially in times of political and social upheaval. Senator Sanders’s public support signals a call for respect toward those who voice concerns while still embracing their American identity.
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