Overview
- Vice President JD Vance said athletes are "not there to pop off about politics" and should anticipate criticism if they choose to speak out.
- Vance framed his guidance as representing both Democrats and Republicans and encouraged athletes to prioritize representing the country through performance.
- President Donald Trump criticized freestyle skier Hunter Hess as "a real loser" after Hess expressed mixed feelings about representing the United States.
- Hess responded that he loves his country while maintaining there are things he believes could be better, reinforcing his earlier comments.
- Vance acknowledged being booed when shown at the Milan opening ceremony but downplayed the moment, as coverage also noted the U.S. team is performing strongly.