“I’M ROOTING FOR AMERICAN ATHLETES”: VP JD Vance Addresses Eileen Gu’s Betrayal to Compete for China

Vice President JD Vance has weighed in on the controversy surrounding Eileen Gu, the American-born skier who chose to represent China at the Winter Olympics, sparking a firestorm of criticism. In a candid interview on The Story With Martha MacCallum, Vance contrasted Gu’s lucrative decision to compete for China with the freedoms and opportunities she enjoyed growing up in the United States.

Vance remarked, “I certainly think that somebody who grew up in the United States of America, who benefited from our education system, from the freedoms and liberties that make this country a great place, I would hope that they want to compete with the United States of America.” He emphasized that, regardless of her nationality status, he would be rooting for American athletes who identify with the U.S. and its values.

The backlash against Gu has been fierce. Former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom has called Gu a “traitor”, accusing her of capitalizing on her American fame while promoting an authoritarian regime. Critics have blasted her for failing to speak out against China’s human rights abuses, including the genocide against the Uyghur people and the imprisonment of activists like Jimmy Lai, while she continues to claim to represent the “spirit of the Games.”

Reports have revealed that Gu earned a staggering $6.6 million from the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau for her Olympic preparation, with her total earnings in 2025 estimated to be around $23 million—a sum that critics argue illustrates her prioritization of profit over principles.

While Gu has defended her decision, claiming that she wants to “build her own pond” in Asia, her critics argue she is turning a blind eye to China’s human rights abuses for personal gain. One key question that remains unanswered is whether Gu renounced her U.S. citizenship—a critical issue, since China does not recognize dual nationality.

Vance, while acknowledging that the Olympics Committee must decide her eligibility, made his position clear: “I’m going to root for American athletes… people who identify themselves as Americans.”

As the debate over Gu’s loyalty continues to simmer, the broader conversation about identity, loyalty, and national pride remains a hot topic—especially for those who believe American athletes should represent the values that make the U.S. unique.