U.S. Vice President JD Vance speaks to the media before boarding Air Force Two upon departure for Azerbaijan, at Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan, Armenia, February 10, 2026. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque/Pool
(Milan, Italy) – Vice President JD Vance weighed in after U.S. Olympic freestyle skier Hunter Hess said he felt “ashamed” to represent the United States during international competition.
Vance addressed the comments during a public appearance, emphasizing that athletes competing under the American flag represent the entire country — not a single political party.
“When you’re representing the country, you’re representing Republicans and Democrats,” Vance said. “You’re representing all Americans.”
Hess’s remarks had sparked debate online after he expressed frustration with the current political climate and said he struggled with what it meant to compete for Team USA. His comments quickly drew both support and backlash across social media.
Supporters of Hess argued that athletes have the right to voice their personal views. Critics said international competition should transcend partisan politics.
Vance did not directly criticize the athlete but framed his response around unity, saying the Olympic stage is one of the few places where Americans from different backgrounds come together.
The exchange highlights the ongoing intersection between sports and politics — particularly as high-profile athletes increasingly speak out on national issues while competing on the global stage.
