In the wake of Donald Trump's derogatory comments towards Hunter Hess, freeskaters Eileen Gu and Chloe Kim have voiced their support for Hess, who expressed ambivalence about representing the US amid strict immigration policies. Kim, a two-time Olympic gold medalist of South Korean descent, emphasized the importance of unity among athletes in light of such commentary, pointing out the racism she has encountered in her career.

Eileen Gu, who was born in the US but competes for China, acknowledged her understanding of Hess's situation and noted that she had communicated with him, showing solidarity during this challenging time. As someone who has faced scrutiny over her choice to represent China, Gu expressed her empathy toward fellow athletes like Hess who might feel trapped in the political discourse surrounding their representations.

The controversial remarks relayed by Trump highlight the ongoing tensions in US sports related to immigration and nationality, particularly among athletes who navigate their cultural identities in the competitive landscape. The support from Gu and Kim indicates a push towards greater empathy and communal resilience among athletes grappling with the intersections of sports, identity, and politics.