JD Vance has issued a warning against American athletes who are publicly criticizing the Trump administration. The VP made this clear statement in a recent interview, as he will continue to represent the US delegation at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.
VP JD Vance addresses US Olympic athletes on Trump’s criticism
in an interview with cnn On Wednesday, J.D. Vance cautioned American athletes at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games against criticizing the Trump administration. His comments come amid backlash from some athletes who are speaking out against Trump’s controversial immigration policies
“Yes, you will have some Olympic athletes who talk about politics. I think that happens at every Olympics,” Vance said. He said, “My advice to them is to try to bring the country together and when you’re representing the country, you’re representing the Democrats and the Republicans. You’re there to play a game, and you’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to talk about politics.”
The VP further added, “When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some reaction.” He appreciated the performance of the athletes in the Olympics. The Vice President said that “Most Olympic athletes, regardless of their politics, are doing a great job.” He said he “definitely has 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 to play our game and represent the country well.”
Vance’s warning comes after several US Olympians spoke out against Trump’s immigration policies. The president recently took aim at skier Hunter Hayes after the athlete said that “representing America at this time brings up mixed emotions.”
Additionally, curling star and Minnesota native Richard Ruhonen recently criticized ICE actions in Minneapolis. He said, “What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong. There are no shades of gray in this. We love our country. We’re playing for Team USA. The Olympics mean excellence, respect, friendship. We’re playing for people across the country who show the same, share the same values, that compassion, that love and that respect.”
Originally reported by Namrata Ghosh Mandatory