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Vice President JD Vance shared the advice he had for U.S. Olympic athletes who have been outspoken about the Trump administration’s policies during the Milan Cortina Games.
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 American athletes should try to unite the country 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 Olympic Winter Games at the San Siro stadium in Milan, northern Italy, on February 6, 2026. (Alexander NEMENOV/AFP via Getty Images)
“The Olympians were incredible and I know the entire country is behind them,” Vance said. “Yes, there will be some Olympic athletes who will talk about politics. I feel like that happens at every Olympic Games. My advice to them would be to try to unite the country. And when you represent the country, you will be representing Democrats and Republicans. You are there to play a sport and to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You are not there to talk about politics.
“So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback. But most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, certainly enjoying the support of the entire country. And I think recognizing that the way to unite the country is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the president of the United States. But it is to play your sport and represent the country well.”
Boxer Jake Paul and US Vice President JD Vance are seen in the stands during the Women’s Preliminary Round Group B match between the United States and Finland on the first day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena on February 7, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)
AMERICAN OLYMPIAN CHLOE KIM OJA A HISTORIC GOLD MEDAL DESPITE A 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 achieved it. His statements caused a significant reaction on social networks.
President Donald Trump called Hess a “real loser” for 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/US Ski & Snowboard/Getty Images)
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Still, the United States has been among the best-performing countries overall at the Winter Games.
