American skier Hunter Hess appeared to backtrack on the “mixed emotions” he said he had about representing the U.S. at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.

Hess drew backlash from President Donald Trump and others when he made his initial comments to reporters last week. But after a few days, Hess made clear about wearing the red, white and blue on one of the biggest stages in sports.

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“I love my country,” he wrote with an American flag emoji. “There is so much that is great about America, but there are always things that could be better.

“One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out. The best part of the Olympics is that it brings people together, and when so many of us are divided we need that more than ever. I cannot wait to represent Team USA next week when I compete.”

Hess’ comments came as the Trump administration faced backlash over the use of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in immigration enforcement operations. An incident with ICE agents in January left Renee Good dead in Minnesota. Border Patrol agents also had a deadly encounter with Alex Pretti.

Hunter Hess of Team United States reacts after competing in the Men’s Ski Superpipe Final on day two of the Dew Tour at Copper Mountain on Feb. 25, 2023 in Copper Mountain, Colorado. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

OLYMPIC SKI STAR AMPS UP ICE CRITICISM AFTER POSTING GRAPHIC PHOTO

Those incidents were apparently used as the catalyst for the comments from Hess and his teammate Chris Lillis. Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the U.S.

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now, I think. It’s a little hard. There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of, and I think a lot of people aren’t,” Hess said.

“I think, for me, it’s more I’m representing my friends and family back home, the people that represented it before me, all the things that I believe are good about the U.S. If it aligns with my moral values, I feel like I’m representing it. Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.

President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the economy at a rally Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Clive, Iowa.  (Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)

“I just kind of want to do it for my friends and my family and the people that support me getting here.”

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Trump ripped Hess for the comments, calling him a “real loser.”

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Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise Multan Sultans was sold for a record Rs2.45 billion during an auction conducted by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Monday.

The franchise rights were acquired by Walee Technologies at a high-profile auction held in Lahore, marking the highest-ever valuation for a PSL team.

The auction commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran followed by the national anthem. PSL Chief Executive Officer Salman Naseer welcomed the five qualified bidders before PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi officially inaugurated the proceedings by striking the gong.

Moderator Sidra Iqbal outlined the auction rules, while auctioneer **Fakhre Alam owner Ali Tareen, who opted not to renew the ownership agreement after the conclusion of the league’s 10th edition. Following his exit, the PCB temporarily assumed control of the franchise and initially announced it would manage the team for PSL 11, scheduled to run from March 26 to May 3.

However, the board later reversed that decision and invited fresh bids for the franchise. The PCB received six technical proposals, of which five were approved for the final auction stage.

PCB Chairman Hails Auction Success

Speaking at a press conference alongside the new owners, PCB Chairman Mohsin Naqvi described the auction as the result of months of preparation.

“Our aim was to take the team to the highest possible price,” he said, adding that Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif contacted him during the auction and expressed satisfaction over the outcome.

Naqvi recalled that some critics had questioned whether the franchise could even reach a valuation of Rs1 billion. “When effort is made, results follow,” he said.

Referring to the vision of former PCB chairman Najam Sethi, Naqvi said the league’s value had increased significantly, with international players now regularly participating in the PSL.

He added that the PCB’s objective is to make the PSL not only Pakistan’s flagship tournament but a globally recognised league.

ICC Discussions Also Addressed

During the media interaction, Naqvi also commented on recent discussions with Imran Khwaja, who arrived in Pakistan to hold talks related to Pakistan’s stance on a scheduled T20 World Cup match against India.

The PCB chairman said discussions with the International Cricket Council were ongoing and that decisions regarding Bangladesh-related matters were still pending. He added that several friendly countries had also shared their views with the PCB.

Responding to questions about possible sanctions, Naqvi said the board and the government were not intimidated by threats of fines or bans.