IOC President Calls ICE, Epstein Files 'Sad' Distractions from 2026 Olympics

Kirsty Coventry says controversies are taking focus away from upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina

Feb. 1, 2026 at 4:47pm

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International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry acknowledged that controversies surrounding ICE and the Jeffrey Epstein files are "sad" distractions from the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Coventry said such issues have always arisen before the Games, but expressed confidence that the "magic and spirit" of the Olympics will ultimately prevail.

Why it matters

The IOC is facing public relations challenges as it tries to build momentum and enthusiasm for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with the presence of ICE agents and the resurfacing of the Epstein scandal threatening to overshadow the athletic competition.

The details

At a news conference in Milan, Coventry said the IOC is "monitoring" the reports about IOC members mentioned in the Epstein files, but declined to comment further. She also defended the decision to have ICE agents present, saying it was a security matter handled by U.S. authorities. Meanwhile, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Milan to protest the ICE presence, even though the agents will be stationed in a control room and not operating on the streets.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place from February 6-22.
  • The news conference where Coventry addressed the controversies was held on Sunday, February 1, 2026.

The players

Kirsty Coventry

The president of the International Olympic Committee, elected in 2025 and the first female IOC president.

Casey Wasserman

The head of the Los Angeles Olympics organizing committee, whose emails with Ghislaine Maxwell in 2003 were included in the latest Epstein files release.

Richard Carrion

A Puerto Rican banker and IOC member who was a runner-up in the 2013 IOC presidential election.

Johan Eliasch

The president of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation, who was one of Coventry's opponents in the 2025 IOC presidential election.

JD Vance

The U.S. Vice President who will lead the American delegation to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics and attend the opening ceremony.

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What they’re saying

“I think anything that is distracting from these Games is sad, right? But we've learned over the many years … there's always been something that has taken the lead, leading up to the Games.”

— Kirsty Coventry, IOC President

“From all the information that we have and I believe that the U.S. authorities, as the other authorities, have made all the clarifications needed, so from our side that's not for us to further comment on that part of the security. But we're really looking forward to the games.”

— Kirsty Coventry, IOC President

What’s next

The IOC says it will continue to monitor the situation regarding the IOC members mentioned in the Epstein files and provide updates as necessary.

The takeaway

The IOC is facing public relations challenges as it tries to build excitement for the 2026 Winter Olympics, with controversies over ICE and the Epstein scandal threatening to overshadow the athletic competition. However, the IOC remains confident that the "magic and spirit" of the Games will ultimately prevail.