JUST IN…JD Vance sends blunt message to Olympians after Donald Trump criticism Vice President JD Vance issued a blunt response to several American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics after public criticism of Donald Trump and the political climate in the United States during the Games… Internet can’t stop talking about this

JUST IN…JD Vance sends blunt message to Olympians after Donald Trump criticism
Vice President JD Vance issued a blunt response to several American athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics after public criticism of Donald Trump and the political climate in the United States during the Games… Internet can’t stop talking about this

Multiple members of Team USA, including freestyle skier Hunter Hess, aerialist Chris Lillis, figure skater Amber Glenn and curler Rich Ruohonen, have spoken about domestic issues while competing in Italy, prompting backlash and debate about athletes using the Olympic stage for political expression.

Speaking to reporters while traveling back from the Games, Vance, who jumped to Trump’s defense over the latest Epstein file release, said political commentary from competitors was predictable but misplaced.

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“Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics. I feel like that happens every Olympics,” Vance said. “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.”

The vice president also warned athletes to expect criticism if they enter political debates publicly.

“When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback,” Vance added. “Most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, certainly enjoy the support of the entire country, and I think 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 to play your sport and represent the country well.”

The remarks followed comments earlier in the week from several athletes. Hess said representing the United States brought mixed emotions amid current events.

“There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of,” Hess said. “Just because I’m wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”

Trump attempted to brush off the boos Vance and his wife received at the opening ceremony for the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan
Lillis expressed concern over the national climate, saying he felt “heartbroken,” while Ruohonen criticized immigration enforcement actions in his home state of Minnesota and said, “What’s happening in Minnesota is wrong — there’s no shades of grey.”

Glenn also spoke about social issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community, later saying she had received threats after speaking publicly.

The political tension has extended beyond press conferences. Trump previously criticized Hess publicly, calling the skier “a real loser,” while other athletes defended the right to speak openly during the Games.

Vance himself was booed by some spectators during the opening ceremony in Milan, though he downplayed the reaction. “I think the media made much ado about nothing with the fact that, yes, in a crowd of 30,000 people, there were certainly some people who disagreed with my policies or the policies of the administration,” he said.