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Vice President JD Vance shared his advice for U.S. Olympic athletes who have been outspoken about Trump administration policies at the Milan Cortina Games.
Vance, who acknowledged hearing boos from crowds while in Italy for some sporting events, told reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan, that American athletes should try to bring the country together rather than divide it further.
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Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance watch the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, February 6, 2026. (Alexandre NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)
“The Olympic athletes have been incredible and I know the entire country supports them,” Vance said. “Yes, you’re going to have Olympic athletes talking about politics. I feel like that happens at every Olympics. My advice 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 talk politics.
“So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect retaliation. But most Olympic athletes, regardless of their politics, do a great job and certainly have the support of the entire country. And I think I 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 about playing your sport and representing the country well.”
Boxer Jake Paul and U.S. Vice President JD Vance are seen in the stands during the Women’s Group B Preliminary match between the United States and Finland on the first day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 7, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
US OLYMPIAN CHLOE KIM LOOKS AT HISTORIC GOLD MEDAL DESPITE SHOULDER INJURY
Several Olympic athletes spoke out against the Trump administration before the start of their events last week.
Skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis and figure skater Amber Glenn were among the Olympians to do so. Their statements sparked strong reactions on social networks.
President Donald Trump called Hess a “real loser” following his complaints.
Hunter Hess of the United States reacts during the men’s ski halfpipe final at the Toyota Grand Prix of the United States at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort on January 9, 2026 in Aspen, Colorado. (Dustin Satloff/American Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)
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Still, the United States was among the top-performing countries at the Winter Games.
