“Yes, you’re going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics, I feel like that happens every Olympics,” said Vance in a clip to X shared by CNN’s Kit Maher.
“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.”
The skier’s vague remarks on not being the “biggest fan” of “a lot going on” in the country somehow sparked a fury from Trump, who called him a “real loser” as he whined over why the accomplished athlete would bother pushing for a spot on Team USA.
Hess’ peers have since rallied behind him, and the athlete has gone on to stress his love for his country following Trump’s attack.
As conservatives continue to play darts on which athlete’s comments to hit next, Vance — who was booed at the opening ceremony — sent a warning to Olympians who dare enter the “political arena” with their freedom of expression.
“They should expect some pushback,” Vance said.
He continued, “But most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, certainly enjoy 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 to play your sport and to represent the country well.”
