Vice President J.D. Vance has taken issue with U.S. Winter Olympics athletes who have spoken out against the United States, reminding them they are there to “represent their country.”
Meanwhile, Vance suggested to Azerbaijani journalists to “try to unite the country.” His remarks followed criticisms made by U.S. Olympic freestyle skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis regarding the Trump administration and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Lillis expressed he was “heartbroken by what happened in the United States,” while Hess shared that “representing the United States right now evokes mixed emotions.”
Hess further stated, “Just because I’m flying the flag doesn’t mean I represent everything that’s going on in the United States.”
“The Olympians are fantastic. I know the entire nation is supporting them. Sure, some will speak out about politics, but I believe that happens every Olympics,” Vance noted. “My advice would be to try to bring the country together.”
“When you represent your country, you’re representing both the Democratic and Republican parties,” Vance added. “You’re there to compete and to make your country proud, not to engage in political banter.”
Vance acknowledged that “most Olympians, regardless of their political views, perform admirably.”
President Donald Trump responded sharply to Hess’ comments, labeling him a “real loser” in a post on Truth Social.
“U.S. Olympic skier Hunter Hess, a true loser, stated he wouldn’t represent his country at the current Winter Olympics,” Trump wrote. “If that’s his stance, he shouldn’t have tried out for the team. It’s unfortunate he’s part of it. It’s challenging to root for someone like this. Let’s Make America Great Again!”
Other Team USA athletes, like figure skater Amber Glenn, voiced that it’s been a “tough time” for the LGBTQ community during the Trump administration, whereas Team USA hockey player Brady Tkachuk said, “Being able to represent the United States at this stage of the Olympics is one of the greatest honors I’ve ever had.”
