Hunter Hess’s ‘Loser Project’ Reaches $30,000 Milestone

Not many athletes can say they were insulted by a U.S. President. Olympic halfpipe skier Hunter Hess can.

In the lead-up to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, several Team USA athletes attended a press conference where they spoke candidly about their mixed emotions in representing the country. When asked about his feelings, Hess said: “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

In response, President Donald Trump took to his social media platform, where he vilified the skier. “U.S. Olympic Skier, Hunter Hess, a real Loser, says he doesn’t represent his Country in the current Winter Olympics,” the President wrote. “If that’s the case, he shouldn’t have tried out for the Team, and it’s too bad he’s on it.”

President Trump’s comments led to thousands of hate comments and death threats targeted at the skier. 

But instead of quietly backing down, Hess decided to use the moment for good. And thus, The Real Loser Project was born — a merchandise sale for which 100% of the proceeds are donated to Stoked, a nonprofit that helps underprivileged youth participate in action sports like surfing, skateboarding, and snowboarding.

Just last week, Hess took to his Instagram with a major update: The Real Loser Project raised an incredible $30,000 for Stoked. 

“$30,000 is going toward giving more kids access to action sports, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve,” the 27-year-old wrote. 

• Related: Olympic Skier Hunter Hess Turns Trump’s “Real Loser” Comment into Youth Sports Fundraiser

Originally from Bend, Oregon, Hess grew up enthralled with action sports. He calls Mount Bachelor his home hill and has been involved with the Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Fund (MBSEF) from a young age. The MBSEF is a nonprofit that uses competitive snow sports to create opportunities for athletes. Inspired by his Mount Hood roots and MBSEF’s work, Hess dedicated his project to giving young athletes the same chances to compete in action sports that he had growing up.

And his project turned out to be a massive success. He launched T-shirts and hats using Trump’s “real loser” comment as the foundational element, turning the negative comment into something positive to give back to the action sports community. Skiers, snowboarders, and other action sports athletes flocked to the project’s Website to purchase merchandise and to show support for their friend’s project. After just three months of sales, Hess raised an incredible $30,000 to help kids participate in the sport he loves.

For Hess, the support he has received has meant the world. 

“None of this happens without every person who bought something, donated, shared, or simply supported the idea,” he said. “I’m incredibly grateful to have been a part of it and even more grateful for the community that made it possible.”

• Related: Hunter Hess Headlines Team North America for Inaugural Snow League World Challenge in New Zealand

After Trump’s comments, Hess would go on to make the halfpipe final at the Olympics, finishing 10th overall. He started The Real Loser Project three months later, in May.

“It’s hard to put into words what this experience has meant to me. What started as one moment turned into something so much bigger than I ever could have imagined,” Hess said.

As Hess prepares for his 2026-27 season, which will begin at the Snow League World Challenge in New Zealand, he continues to act as a role model for athletes around the world who want to support their communities. People who wish to donate to the Real Loser Project or donate can do so on the project’s website.