JD Vance has issued a warning against U.S. athletes who are publicly criticizing the Trump administration. The VP made the pointed statement in a recent interview, as he continues to represent the U.S delegation at the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan, Italy.
VP JD Vance addresses US Olympic athletes over Trump criticism
In an interview with CNN on Wednesday, JD Vance cautioned U.S. athletes against criticizing the Trump administration at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. His remarks come amid backlash from some athletes who are speaking out against Trump’s controversial immigration policies
“Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics. I feel like that happens at every Olympics,” Vance 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,” he added.
The VP continued, “When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback.” He did acknowledge the athletes’ performances at the Olympics. The VP said that “most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job.” He added that they “certainly enjoy the support of the entire country.”
However, Vance added via a cautionary note 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 represent the country well.”
Vance’s warning comes after several U.S. Olympians have raised their voices against Trump’s immigration policies. The President recently took aim at skier Hunter Hess after the athlete said that “it brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now.”
Additionally, curling star and Minnesota native Richard Ruohonen recently criticized ICE’s actions in Minneapolis. He stated, “What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There’s no shades of gray. 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.”
