Vice President JD Vance issues stern warning to Olympians 'attacking' Trump

The Winter Olympics in Milan have already been packed with emotional moments, dramatic finishes, and plenty of off-snow headlines, but this year’s Games have also seen politics creep into the spotlight in unexpected ways.

While many fans tuned in for the spectacle of the opening ceremony, others were quick to notice the mixed reaction when US Vice President JD Vance appeared in the stands alongside his wife, Usha Vance.

Representing the American delegation abroad, Vance has been a visible presence throughout the early days of competition, drawing attention both from crowds in the arena and viewers watching from home.

Social media chatter has only intensified as several Team USA athletes began sharing personal views about the political climate back in the United States, sparking debates that reached far beyond the sporting world.

JD Vance urges Olympians to prioritise sport over political debate abroad (Andreas Rentz/Staff/Getty Images)

Around midway through the week, though, the conversation shifted sharply when Vance issued a direct warning to Olympians who have been openly criticising President Donald Trump.

Speaking during an interview, the vice president addressed the growing trend of athletes commenting on politics while representing their country overseas.

He said: “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."

Vance added that competitors stepping into political debates, like those of the Winter Olympics, should not be surprised by the backlash that may follow.

He explained: “When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback,” noting that most Olympians, regardless of their views, are doing ‘a great job’ and 'certainly enjoy the support of the entire country'.

As noted by Entertainment Weekly, he went on to say: “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.”

Odd Andersen/Contributor/Getty Images

The remarks arrived after a handful of US athletes spoke publicly about policies they oppose.

One example was Curler Richard Ruohonen, who criticised immigration enforcement in Minnesota, telling reporters: “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.”

Skier Hunter Hess also made headlines earlier in the week after admitting it brought ‘mixed emotions to represent the US right now,’ a comment that quickly spread online and drew strong reactions from political figures.

That included Trump himself, who called Hess a ‘real loser’ on his Truth Social platform.