On Tuesday, Vice President JD Vance weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Olympic skier Eileen Gu’s choice to compete for China rather than the United States. During an appearance on Fox News’ program “The Story With Martha MacCallum,” Vance expressed uncertainty regarding Gu’s situation but emphasized his hope that American athletes choose to represent the U.S. internationally.
“I honestly have no idea what her status should be; that’s a decision for the Olympic Committee,” Vance stated. “But I do believe that individuals who have grown up in the United States, benefitting from our education system and the freedoms that define our nation, should ideally want to compete for America. I am cheering for athletes who consider themselves American, and that’s where my support lies in these Olympics.”
Eileen Gu has been the subject of widespread international scrutiny, particularly from Americans, for her decision to represent China in the Olympic Games. She participated on behalf of China in the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics as well.
While Gu was raised in California and attended Stanford University, her mother is a first-generation immigrant from China, adding layers of complexity to her nationality and allegiance in the eyes of the public.
Gu has been at the center of international criticism, particularly from Americans, about her decision to represent China in this Olympics. She represented China at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games as well.
She grew up in California and went to Stanford, though her mother is a first-generation Chinese immigrant in the US.
She made her decision to compete for China in 2019. Gu said at the time that it was an “incredibly tough” decision, and Americans weren’t too fond of her decision given the geopolitical tension between the US and China.
Gu is the highest-paid Winter Olympic athlete in the world, making an estimated $23 million in 2025 alone amid partnerships with Chinese companies, including the Bank of China, and western companies.
Gu has said she represents China for her mother, who was born there.
The Wall Street Journal reported last week that Gu and Zhu Yi, a fellow American-born figure skater who now competes for China, were paid a combined $6.6 million by the Beijing Municipal Sports Bureau in 2025 for “striving for excellent results in qualifying for the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.”
In all, the two were reportedly paid nearly $14 million over the past three years.
Gu has never spoken out publicly against China’s alleged human rights abuses, including the nation’s alleged systematic campaign of repression against Uyghurs and other predominantly Muslim ethnic minorities in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, or the jailing of politician Jimmy Lai.
Gu has won two silver medals in freestyle skiing in Milan Cortina, in the slopestyle and big air events.
She has one final event, the halfpipe, remaining on Saturday, where she has the opportunity to add to her total.
