Vice President JD Vance has publicly criticized Olympic athletes for engaging in political discourse during the ongoing Milan Cortina Games. In a statement shared on social media, Vance emphasized that athletes should prioritize representing their country and fostering unity over expressing political views.
Vance's Call for Unity
In a clip posted to X by CNN's Kit Maher, Vance acknowledged that political commentary from athletes is a recurring theme at the Olympics. "Yes, you're going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics, I feel like that happens every Olympics," he said. However, he advised them to focus on bringing the country together, noting that they represent all Americans, regardless of political affiliation.
"My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together and when you're representing the country, you're representing Democrats and Republicans," Vance stated. "You're there to play a sport and you're there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You're not there to pop off about politics."
Context of the Controversy
Vance's remarks come amid a backdrop of U.S. athletes speaking out on domestic political issues. This follows recent online criticism from former President Donald Trump directed at Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess. Hess had expressed "mixed emotions" about representing the United States, citing concerns about the country's current state, which Trump labeled him a "real loser" for.
Hess's vague comments about not being the "biggest fan" of "a lot going on" in the nation ignited a fury from Trump, who questioned why the athlete would pursue a spot on Team USA. In response, Hess's peers have rallied behind him, and he has since reiterated his love for his country following the attack.
Vance's Warning to Athletes
Speaking to the media in Azerbaijan before boarding Air Force Two, Vance—who faced booing at the opening ceremony of this year's Winter Olympics—issued a caution to athletes who venture into the political arena. "They should expect some pushback," he warned, highlighting the potential consequences of such expressions.
He elaborated, "But most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, certainly enjoy the support of the entire country and I think recognize that the way to bring the country together is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the President of the United States, but it's to play your sport and to represent the country well."
As conservatives continue to scrutinize athletes' comments, Vance's message underscores a broader debate over the role of politics in sports, particularly at international events like the Olympics. His stance reflects a call for athletes to maintain a focus on athletic performance and national pride, rather than divisive political discourse.
