Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday criticized Olympic athletes for speaking out about politics at this year’s Milan Cortina Games.

“Yes, there will be some Olympic athletes who will talk about politics, I feel like that happens at every Olympic Games,” Vance said in a clip for X shared by CNN’s Kit Maher.

“My advice to them would be to try to unite the country and when you represent the country, represent 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 talk politics.”

Vance’s comments come as American athletes continue to speak out about the political climate in the United States, just days after President Donald Trump’s online tantrum over Team USA freestyle skier Hunter Hess expressing his “mixed emotions” about representing the red, white and blue at the games.

Vice President JD Vance speaks to media in Azerbaijan before boarding Air Force Two on Wednesday. Vance, who was booed at the opening ceremony of this year's Winter Olympics, sent a warning to athletes trying to play in the
Vice President JD Vance speaks to media in Azerbaijan before boarding Air Force Two on Wednesday. Vance, who was booed at the opening ceremony of this year’s Winter Olympics, sent a warning to athletes trying to play in the “political arena.”

Kevin Lamarque/Pool via Getty Images

The skier’s vague comments about not being the “biggest fan” of “a lot of things going on” in the country somehow drew the fury of Trump, who called him a “real loser” while complaining about why the accomplished athlete would bother pushing for a spot on the U.S. team.

Hess’ teammates have since rallied around him, and the athlete has emphasized his love for his country following Trump’s attack.

As conservatives continue to play darts over which athlete’s comment to give next, Vance, who was booed at the opening ceremony, sent a warning to Olympic athletes who dare to enter the “political arena” with their freedom of speech.

“They should expect some reaction,” Vance said.

He continued: “But most of the Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, they certainly enjoy the support of the entire country and I think they recognize that the way to unite the country is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the President of the United States, but to play your sport and represent the country well.”