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Vice President JD Vance shared advice he had for U.S. Olympic athletes who have been outspoken about Trump administration policies while at the Cortina Games in Milan.
Vance, who acknowledged he heard some boos from the crowd while in Italy for some of the sporting events, told reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan that the American athletes should try to bring the country together instead of dividing it further.
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Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance watch the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, on February 6, 2026. (Alexander NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)
“The Olympic athletes were incredible, and I know the whole country is rooting for them,” Vance said. “Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes spouting off about politics. I feel like it happens at every Olympics. 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 you a medal.
“So when the Olympic athletes step into the political arena, they should expect some backlash. But most Olympic athletes, regardless of their politics, do a great job, certainly enjoy the support of the entire country. And I think you 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 an expression of your sport and representing the country well.”
Boxer Jake Paul and US Vice President JD Vance are seen in the stands during the women’s preliminary Group B match between the USA and Finland on day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics at the Milan Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 7, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
US OLYMPIAN CHLOE KIM EYES HISTORIC GOLD MEDAL DESPITE SHOULDER INJURY
Several Olympic athletes spoke out against the Trump administration before their events began last week.
Skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis and figure skater Amber Glenn were among the Olympians who did. Their statements sparked significant backlash on social media.
President Donald Trump called Hess a “real loser” over his complaints.
Hunter Hess of the United States reacts during the Men’s Ski Halfpipe Final at the Toyota US Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort on January 9, 2026 in Aspen, Colorado. (Dustin Satloff/US Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)
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Still, the U.S. has been among the top performers overall in the Winter Games.
