what did jd vance say about eileen gu

JD Vance said that athletes who grow up in and benefit from the United States should want to compete for the U.S., and he suggested that this view applied to Eileen Gu’s decision to represent China at the Olympics.

What exactly did JD Vance say about Eileen Gu?

In a TV interview, Vice President JD Vance was asked about Eileen Gu, who was born in the U.S. but skis for China at the Winter Olympics. He said that people who have benefited from the American education system, freedoms, and liberties should “want to compete with the United States” and that he is rooting for “American athletes” at the Games. When pressed specifically about Gu, he added that her eligibility and “status” were ultimately up to the Olympic authorities, but his clear preference was that U.S.-raised athletes represent Team USA rather than another country.

How did Eileen Gu respond?

Gu was asked about his remarks after one of her Olympic qualifying runs and answered in a light, almost teasing way: “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet.” She said she wasn’t offended and instead framed the criticism as part of a broader political narrative in the U.S. about China, saying she feels like a “punching bag” for a certain strand of American politics. Gu also pointed out that many athletes compete for countries other than where they were born, and argued that people’s feelings about China are driving the backlash against her more than the actual details of her choice.

Why is this a trending topic now?

The exchange is getting attention because it sits at the intersection of sports, geopolitics, and identity during the 2026 Winter Olympics. Gu is a high-profile, medal-winning star, so any comment from a top U.S. political figure—especially the vice president—about her allegiance quickly becomes headline news and fuel for forum debates. Online discussions are split between those who agree with Vance that U.S.-born athletes should compete for the U.S., and those who see Gu’s response as a confident clapback that underscores athletes’ autonomy to choose whom they represent.

TL;DR: JD Vance said athletes who benefit from America should want to compete for the U.S., a comment widely understood to be aimed at Eileen Gu’s decision to ski for China, and Gu answered with, “I’m flattered. Thanks, JD! That’s sweet,” while noting she’s become a political “punching bag” in U.S. debates about China.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.