During a Tuesday interview on Fox News, anchor Martha MacCallum questioned Vice President JD Vance about the controversial status of San Francisco-born Olympic freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who has opted to represent China in international competitions. MacCallum highlighted how some critics have labeled Gu a "traitor" for this decision, noting she is among several American-born athletes competing for other nations at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Vance's Response to the Controversy
MacCallum specifically asked Vance, "What do you think her status should be? Should it be changed?" referring to Gu, whose impressive career includes two gold medals and one silver from Beijing 2022, along with two silvers so far in Italy, making her the most decorated female freestyle skier in Olympic history. Vance initially deferred, stating, "Well, look, I have no idea what her status should be. I think that's ultimately up to the Olympics Committee, I won't pretend to wade into that."
Emphasis on American Identity
However, Vance then expressed his personal views more strongly. He remarked, "I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope they want to compete with the United States of America." He added, "So, I'm going to root for American athletes and I think part of that is people who identify themselves as Americans. That's who I'm rooting for this Olympics."
MacCallum responded in agreement, saying, "I'm with ya on that one." This exchange underscores ongoing debates about national loyalty in sports, particularly as athletes like Gu, who was born and raised in the U.S., choose to represent other countries on the global stage. The discussion reflects broader tensions in international athletics, where personal heritage and competitive opportunities often intersect with patriotic sentiments.
