Republican Congressman Andy Ogles from Tennessee is taking aim at American-born Olympians who have opted to represent other countries, highlighting cases like Eileen Gu, who was born in the U.S. but chose to compete for China in the Winter Olympics.
Ogles has put forward a proposal in Congress suggesting a 100 percent tax on the earnings of these athletes abroad, which he has dubbed the “Sportsmanship Act Officially Limiting the Annual Funds Raised by Individuals” or simply the Olympic Act.
“Americans who align with foreign adversaries not only betray our nation, but they should also forfeit the benefits that come from their actions. That’s why I’m making it clear that the IRS deserves every cent earned by athletes like Eileen Gu,” Congressman Ogles said, according to Outkick Sports.
The congressman has previously commented on Gu, recently accusing her of “working for Communist China who aims to undermine our country” in a post on X.
“There will be repercussions for those who forsake the United States and aid our enemies,” he remarked.
The legislation would institute a 100 percent tax on income gained by American athletes competing for a “foreign entity of concern,” listing countries such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran as part of this category.
If enacted, the law would extend to include the income of U.S. citizens who compete against these foreign entities, along with any sponsorship money those athletes might earn.
Sports targeted by this bill encompass events like the Summer and Winter Olympics, the World Cup, the Tour de France, and Wimbledon.
Eileen Gu is generating headlines at this year’s Milan Olympics as she continues to express dissatisfaction with the United States after choosing to represent China.
Gu has stood by her choice, explaining that there are few young girls interested in skiing in China, and she feels the U.S. is already well-represented in the sport; she aims to inspire other Chinese girls to pick up skiing.
While she remains silent on China’s actions regarding the Uyghur minority, she hasn’t held back her critiques of the U.S.
Reports from Breitbart News show that Gu reacted to former President Donald Trump’s remarks about Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess, who noted his discomfort with wearing Team USA gear, stating he’s not a “biggest fan” of what’s happening in the country.
Responding to Trump’s labeling of Hess as a “real loser,” Gu felt that Trump’s criticism was at odds with what the convention spirit represents.
Additionally, Gu has recently come forward with claims about facing an “assault,” “robbery,” and “hate” incidents in 2022 while she was a student at Stanford University. This is new information; she hadn’t previously discussed these events publicly. Although one media outlet sought to verify her claims, no supporting evidence has surfaced.
