Hunter Hess flashes ‘L’ gesture in response to Trump ‘loser’ criticism at Olympics
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American freeskier Hunter Hess made the “L” hand sign after completing his Olympic halfpipe qualifying run on Friday; This was an apparent reference to President Donald Trump’s criticism of the Olympian, who previously said he had “mixed feelings” about representing the United States at the Milan Cortina Games.
Hess shaped his index finger and thumb to form the letter “L” and raised his hand to his forehead after finishing his run.
USA’s Hunter Hess reacts during the men’s freestyle ski halfpipe qualifiers at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Livigno, Italy, February 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson)
“Apparently,” he explained, according to the Associated Press. “I’m a loser.”
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The remarks were a reference to Trump’s previous criticism of Hess; Following Hess’ controversial comments about representing the United States at the Olympics under the current administration, the president described him as a “real loser” in a social media post.
“I worked so hard to be here. I sacrificed my whole life to make this happen,” Hess said Friday. “I’m not going to let arguments like this get in my way. I love the United States of America. I can’t say that enough. My original statement was, I felt like I said that, but it seems like people didn’t take it that way. I’m so happy to be here, so happy to represent Team USA.”
Hess was among a group of U.S. freestyle skiers and other American athletes who voiced their thoughts about representing the United States at Milan Cortina. At a press conference before their event, Hess said he had “mixed feelings” about it.
Hunter Hess of the United States reacts while competing in the Men’s Freeski Halfpipe Final at the Toyota US Grand Prix 2025 at Copper Mountain on December 20, 2025 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
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“I think representing the United States right now brings up mixed emotions. It’s a little tough. There’s a lot going on that I’m obviously not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t either,” he began.
“I think for me, it’s more of representing my friends and family back home, the people who represented it before me, everything that I believe is good about the United States. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I wear the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the United States.”
“I want to do this for my friends, my family, and the people who supported me coming here.”
President Donald Trump responded to her remarks in a social media post at the time, calling Hess a “real loser.”
Hunter Hess of the United States takes a shot during the halfpipe finals during the World Cup US Grand Prix freestyle ski event on December 17, 2022 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (AP Photo/Hugh Carey, File)
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“US Olympic Skier Hunter Hess, a true Loser, says he is not representing his Country at the current Winter Olympics,” he wrote. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s in it too. It’s hard to support someone like that. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”
Hess said Friday that he stands by what he initially said, but added: “It means a lot to me to be able to represent Team USA here. I worked hard to get here. I stand by what I said.”
Hess is one of four Americans to qualify for Friday’s 12-man halfpipe final.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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