Vance shares advice for outspoken Olympic athletes

Vice President J.D. Vance shared his advice to American Olympians who were outspoken about the Trump administration’s policies during the Milan Cortina Games.

Vance, who acknowledged hearing boos from the crowd while in Italy for some sporting events, told reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan, that American athletes should try to bring the country together instead of further dividing it.

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“The Olympic athletes were incredible and I know the whole country was supporting them,” Vance said. “Yes, you’re going to have some Olympians ranting about politics. I think 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 sports and you’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You’re not there to talk politics.

“So Olympians should expect some backlash when they enter the political arena. But most Olympians, regardless of their politics, they do a great job and they certainly enjoy the support of the entire country. And I think 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 a game of representing the country well by playing your own sport.”

Boxer Jake Paul and U.S. 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 day one of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games at the Milan Rho Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy, on February 7, 2026. (EyesWideOpen/Getty Images)

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Many Olympic athletes spoke out against the Trump administration before the start of their events last week.

Skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis and figure skater Amber Glenn were among the Olympians who did so. His statements sparked great reactions on social media.

President Donald Trump called Hess a “real loser” for his complaints.

Hunter Hess of the United States reacts during the Men’s Halfpipe Ski Final at the Toyota US Grand Prix at Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort on January 9, 2026 in Aspen, Colorado. (Dustin Satloff/USA Ski and Snowboard/Getty Images)

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Still, the United States is among the best-performing countries overall at the Winter Games.

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