JD Vance tells US Olympians ‘you’re not there to pop off about politics,’ warns of backlash

MILAN, ITALY: Vice President JD Vance issued a public statement regarding the role of US Olympic athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, arguing that they should focus on competition and not political commentary. 

Vance warned Olympians that if they engage in political speech while representing the United States, they should be prepared to face pushback. His remarks come amid a wave of athletes speaking out against US immigration policies and broader domestic issues.

JD Vance’s statement on Olympians and politics

In comments to reporters on Wednesday, February 11, while returning from leading the US delegation at the Winter Olympics, Vance made clear his expectations for American athletes competing in Milan.

He said, “You’re not there to pop off about politics,” stressing that Olympic athletes are present to compete and represent the nation rather than to make political statements. Vance said that when athletes do enter the political arena, they should be "ready for backlash," noting that this kind of reaction “happens every Olympics.”

His warning was partly a defense of President Donald Trump, who had publicly criticized US freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess for expressing “mixed emotions” about representing the United States due to current political issues back home.

Hess had said wearing the US flag does not mean he supports everything going on in the country, prompting sharp comments from Trump and sparking a larger debate about patriotism, athletic representation, and political expression.

Vance said athletes should use their platform to promote unity rather than political division.

JD Vance and Olympians against ICE enforcement tactics

During the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, he faced audible boos from the crowd when his image appeared on the jumbotron. The vice president shrugged it off, saying he "had a great time at the Olympics."

Vance further said to the reporters that the media “made much ado about nothing,” He also pointed out that, in a crowd of around 30,000 people, there were inevitably some who disagreed with his views or with the US administration’s policies.

The comments come amid heightened national debate over immigration enforcement and border security. Although the Olympic Charter bans political demonstrations at Olympic venues, athletes are finding ways to express their views outside the arenas.

Cross-country skiing gold medalist Jessie Diggins of Minnesota said, “I'm racing for an American people who stand for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others. I do not stand for hate or violence or discrimination.”

She added, "I get to decide who I’m racing for every single day, and how I want to live up to my values. For everyone out there caring for others, protecting their neighbors and meeting people with love - every single step is for you."

Diggins concluded, "You are the ones who make me proud to carry the flag, and I hope I can bring you joy over these next few weeks."