JD Vance Urges U.S. Olympians to Steer Clear of Political Discourse
U.S. Vice President JD Vance has issued a stern warning to American athletes competing at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, advising them to avoid political commentary and focus on their sports. Vance, who is in Milan, Italy, with his wife Usha Vance to represent the United States, made these remarks following a contentious opening ceremony where he faced audible boos from the crowd.
Vice President's Message to Athletes
In an interview with CNN, Vance expressed his frustration with athletes who use the Olympic platform to voice political opinions. "Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics. I feel like that happens at every Olympics," he stated. "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. 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."
Vance emphasized that athletes should expect pushback if they engage in political discussions, noting that most Olympians perform admirably regardless of their political views. He argued that the best way to foster national unity is to excel in sports rather than criticize political leaders abroad.
Reactions from American Athletes
Despite Vance's warnings, some U.S. athletes have not remained silent. Curler Richard Ruohonen from Minnesota openly criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies during a press conference. "What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong," he declared. "There’s no shades of grey. We love our country. We’re playing for Team USA. What the Olympics means is excellence, respect, friendship. We are playing for the people around the country who show those, share those same values, that compassion, that love, and that respect."
Additionally, skier Hunter Hess faced backlash from former President Donald Trump after expressing mixed emotions about representing the U.S. under the current administration. Trump labeled Hess "a real Loser" on his Truth Social platform, highlighting the divisive nature of such statements.
International Crowd's Response
The opening ceremony in Milan saw a vocal reaction from spectators when Vance was introduced. A CBC announcer noted live on air, "There’s the vice president, JD Vance … oop … those are not… eh, those are a lot of boos for him — whistling, jeering, some applause." This mixed reception underscores the polarized opinions surrounding U.S. political figures on the global stage.
Vance's comments come at a time when the intersection of sports and politics is increasingly scrutinized, with the Winter Olympics serving as a backdrop for broader societal debates. As the games continue, the focus remains on whether American athletes will heed the vice president's advice or continue to use their platform for political expression.
