During the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, freestyle skier Hunter Hess, 27, admitted to feeling conflicted about representing the United States. He stated that it is challenging to don the American flag when he does not support many current events in the country, suggesting that he feels detached from the national identity. Hess emphasized that wearing the flag does not represent all American policies and instead he wants to represent his friends, family, and those who have helped him in his journey.

Hess’s comments drew ire from Jake Paul, a well-known social media personality and controversial boxer who is a firm supporter of former President Donald Trump. Paul responded on social media, telling Hess to "shut the f*** up," asserting that he represents the views of "all real Americans." He criticized Hess for expressing ambivalence toward his national representation and challenged him to move to another country if he did not want to represent the U.S.

This exchange highlights the increasing tensions between athletes and public figures regarding national pride and representation, particularly in relation to the political atmosphere in the United States. It underscores how athletes, especially in high-profile events such as the Olympics, navigate their identities while balancing personal beliefs with national expectations, and how reactions from influential figures can amplify these conflicts in the public eye.