VP Vance Warns U.S. Olympians Against Criticizing Trump Administration

Vance says athletes should focus on competing, not "popping off about politics"

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Vice President JD Vance has issued a warning to American athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics, urging them not to speak out against the Trump administration. Vance, who is representing the U.S. at the games in Milan with his wife Usha, said athletes should be there to "play a sport" and "represent your country", not "pop off about politics". His comments come after some U.S. athletes have voiced criticism of the administration's policies, particularly on immigration.

Why it matters

Vance's remarks reflect the Trump administration's ongoing efforts to suppress political dissent, even from high-profile athletes representing the U.S. on the global stage. This clash between sports and politics could become a major storyline of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The details

In an interview with CNN, Vance said he expects "some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics" during the games, but advised them to "try to bring the country together" instead of "attacking the president of the United States". He argued that when athletes "enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback". Vance's comments come after several American athletes, including curler Richard Ruohonen and skier Hunter Hess, have voiced criticism of the Trump administration's policies, particularly on immigration.

  • The 2026 Winter Olympics are taking place in Milan, Italy.
  • Vance and his wife Usha are currently representing the U.S. delegation at the games.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, representing the Trump administration at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Usha Vance

The wife of Vice President JD Vance, accompanying him to represent the U.S. delegation at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Richard Ruohonen

An American curler competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics who has voiced criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies.

Hunter Hess

An American skier competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics who has expressed mixed emotions about representing the U.S. under the current administration.

Donald Trump

The former President of the United States, whose administration's policies have been criticized by some American Olympians.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— JD Vance, Vice President of the United States (CNN)

“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.”

— Richard Ruohonen, American Curler (Press Conference)

“It brings up mixed emotions to represent the U.S. right now.”

— Hunter Hess, American Skier (Interview)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This clash between sports and politics at the 2026 Winter Olympics highlights the ongoing tensions over the Trump administration's policies, particularly on immigration, and the desire of some athletes to use their platform to voice dissent and call for unity.