Vice President J.D. Vance addressed criticism from several American Olympians who have spoken out against the Trump administration while competing at the Milan Cortina Games in Italy, urging athletes to focus on representing the country rather than engaging in political disputes overseas, as reported by Fox News.

Vance made the remarks while speaking to reporters in Baku, Azerbaijan, after attending events at the Winter Games. He acknowledged hearing boos from some members of the crowd during his time in Italy but emphasized broad national support for Team USA.

"The Olympic athletes were unbelievable, and I know the entire country is rooting for them," Vance said.

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"Yes, you're gonna have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics. I feel like that happens every Olympics. My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together. And when you're representing the country, you're representing Democrats and Republicans. You're there to play a sport, and you're there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You're not there to pop off about politics."

"So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback. But most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, are certainly enjoying the support of the entire country. And I think recognize that the way to bring the country together is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the president of the United States. But it's a play your sport and represent the country well."

Several American athletes publicly criticized the Trump administration before their competitions began last week. Among them were skiers Hunter Hess and Chris Lillis, as well as figure skater Amber Glenn.

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Their comments drew significant reaction on social media, with supporters and critics weighing in on the athletes’ decision to address political matters during the international event.

President Donald Trump responded directly to Hess, calling him a "real loser" over his complaints.

Despite the controversy, American competitors have remained among the top performers at the Winter Games.

Team USA has continued to secure strong finishes across multiple events, maintaining its position as one of the leading delegations in overall standings.

The debate over athletes speaking out on political issues during international competitions has surfaced during multiple Olympic cycles.

Vance indicated that while political expression is not new to the Games, he believes the priority for athletes should remain focused on competition and national representation.

As the Milan Cortina Games continue, the performances of American athletes remain under close attention, both for their results on the podium and for the broader conversation surrounding sports and politics on the global stage.

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