JD Vance Criticizes Eileen Gu for Competing for China in Winter Olympics

The vice president said he will "root for American athletes" and "people who identify themselves as Americans" during the Games.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Vice President JD Vance has criticized Olympic skier Eileen Gu for competing for China in the 2026 Winter Olympics, despite Gu being born in San Francisco and raised in the United States. Vance implied that Gu should have represented Team USA instead, saying he will "root for American athletes" and "people who identify themselves as Americans" during the Games.

Why it matters

Gu's decision to compete for China has been controversial, with some critics labeling her a "traitor." Vance's comments add to the ongoing debate around Gu's national identity and loyalty, which has become a political talking point ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The details

Gu, a 22-year-old freestyle skier, has already won two silver medals competing for China in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. She previously won two gold and one silver medal for China in the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Gu was born in San Francisco to a Chinese mother and has faced criticism for her decision to represent China instead of the United States, the country where she was raised.

  • Gu announced her decision to compete for China on Instagram in June 2019.
  • Gu won two silver medals competing for China in the 2026 Milan Cortina Games.
  • Vance made his comments criticizing Gu during a February 17, 2026 appearance on Fox News.

The players

JD Vance

The 41-year-old vice president of the United States.

Eileen Gu

A 22-year-old freestyle skier who has competed for China in the last two Winter Olympics, winning multiple medals.

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What they’re saying

“I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America.”

— JD Vance, Vice President (Fox News)

“In the U.S. growing up, I had so many idols to look up to. But in China, I feel like there are a lot fewer of those. I'd have a much greater impact in China than in the U.S., and that's ultimately why I made my decision.”

— Eileen Gu (The Athletic)

The takeaway

Gu's decision to compete for China has become a political flashpoint, with Vice President Vance's comments adding to the ongoing debate around national identity and loyalty in sports. As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, Gu's case highlights the complex issues surrounding dual citizenship and athlete representation.