Utah Governor Touts US Welcoming Amid 2034 Olympics Bid

Cox addresses concerns about US political climate as state prepares to host Winter Games.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Utah Governor Spencer Cox assured that the United States remains a 'very welcoming place' as the state prepares to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, despite concerns about the country's political direction expressed by European media at a news conference in Milan.

Why it matters

The upcoming 2034 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City have become a focus of global attention on the US political climate, with issues like the booing of the US Vice President at the recent Milan Cortina Olympics opening ceremony and questions from African IOC members about visas for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.

The details

At the news conference, Cox faced pointed questions from European reporters about comparing Utah's upbeat Olympic vision with the political news coming out of Washington. The Republican governor said 'those are political issues that will be worked through' and reminded that eight years until the Winter Games return to Salt Lake City is 'a long ways away.' He also chided the media for asking US athletes questions beyond sports, while adding 'I love that we get to live in a country where people get to speak their minds.'

  • The 2034 Winter Olympics are scheduled to take place in Salt Lake City, Utah.
  • The news conference was held on February 10, 2026.

The players

Spencer Cox

The Republican governor of Utah who is promoting the state's bid to host the 2034 Winter Olympics.

Erin Mendenhall

The mayor of Salt Lake City, who joined Cox at the news conference.

Sarah Hirshland

The chief executive of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, who defended U.S. athlete Hunter Hess at the news conference.

Hunter Hess

A U.S. freestyle skier who said at a news conference that he was 'not the biggest fan' of what is happening back home, drawing criticism from former President Donald Trump.

JD Vance

The U.S. Vice President who was booed by fans at the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“We have elections just like your country, in Germany. We will see how those things turn out.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (AP News)

“You will find it still a very welcoming place. We are a very welcoming country.”

— Spencer Cox, Governor of Utah (AP News)

“It is important to us to ensure that anyone who is reacting to or commenting on something that someone said understands the totality and the context of what they said. I have all the confidence in the world that every member of Team USA is proud to represent our country and understands the opportunity they have to bring people together.”

— Sarah Hirshland, Chief Executive, U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (AP News)

What’s next

The Utah Olympic Organizing Committee will continue its preparations for the 2034 Winter Games, including finalizing venue plans and securing necessary infrastructure and funding.

The takeaway

Despite concerns about the US political climate, Utah's governor is projecting an optimistic and welcoming message as the state bids to host the 2034 Winter Olympics, emphasizing that the country remains a 'very welcoming place' and that political divisions will 'play out' over time.