Speaking to reporters on February 11 while returning from the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Vice President JD Vance defended President Donald Trump’s criticism of freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess.
“You’re not there to pop off about politics,” Vance said. “So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback.”
Vance framed his comments as a warning that the Olympics are meant to unite rather than divide, emphasizing that athletes who speak on political issues should be prepared for public scrutiny.
The controversy started after Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about representing the U.S. “right now.” Hess added, “There’s obviously a lot going on that I’m not the biggest fan of” and “Wearing the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the U.S.”
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Trump responded by calling Hess “a real Loser.” Hess then took to social media to clarify his stance, writing, “I love my country… but there are always things that could be better.” He also highlighted the freedoms Americans enjoy, adding, “One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”
Vance said politics often enters the Olympic stage, but athletes should focus on uniting the country. “It’s not unusual for politics to intrude on the Olympics,” he said, stressing that competing under the American flag carries responsibility beyond personal opinion.
The Olympics opening ceremony highlighted the tension. When Vance appeared on the Jumbotron at San Siro Stadium in Milan, some attendees booed. He shrugged it off. “I had a great time at the Olympics,” Vance said.
“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.”
Trump has a long history of fighting with athletes and sports figures when they speak on politics or social issues.
Back in 2017, he criticized NFL players who kneeled during the national anthem, saying, “When you go down and take a knee — you’re sitting essentially — for our national anthem, you’re disrespecting our flag and you’re disrespecting our country.”
Featured image via Political Tribune Gallery
