Press Releases

Washington, D.C. - Today, Representative Rosendale sent a letter to the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committees concerning the growing trend of American athletes taking advantage of the Olympic games platform to perpetuate divisive, hateful, and anti-American ideologies.

“It is an honor and a privilege to represent the United States of America at the Olympic games,” the letter states. “It is our hope that members of the U.S. Olympic Team will stop abusing their platform to spout shameful anti-American rhetoric, and that all athletes representing the United States of America at the Olympic games this summer will do so proudly and patriotically.”

The letter goes on to say that Rule 50 of the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Charter states that political demonstrations of any kind are not permitted at Olympic sites, venues or other areas. The political neutrality of the Olympics should be respected.

“To represent the United States of America is an honor of a lifetime,” Representative Rosendale said. “Participating in the Olympics consists of being part of something bigger than yourself. It shouldn't be a pulpit from which to attack our country.”

“Every four years, our nation comes together to witness and celebrate incredible athletic achievements at the Olympic games,” said Representative Murphy (NC-03). “American Olympians know that they are ambassadors of our nation when they compete abroad, and as such they should be held to a high standard of behavior. I find it appalling that some athletes would have so much hate for a country that has given them a platform to succeed at the highest level in their respective sports. American Olympians represent some of the very best of what our nation has to offer, and their actions should reflect this great responsibility. Anti-American and hateful rhetoric has no place on Team USA.”

“Athletes disrespecting the Olympic platform to selfishly espouse their anti-American agenda is not only misguided, but harmful to the United States’ international standing,” said Representative Wittman (VA-01). “I challenge any of these athletes to show me a nation more committed to righting past wrongs and building a brighter future than the United States of America.”

“The Olympics should be about patriotism and the love of one’s country. And it should be a time when partisan politics is put aside. If you do not love America, I cannot begin to imagine why you would want to represent America on the world stage,” said Representative Robert Aderholt (AL-04).

“If you don’t love America, then you don’t need to represent her on the global stage. I am proud to join my colleagues in sending a letter to the Olympic Committee to remind activist athletes to stop abusing their platform to spout shameful anti-American rhetoric,” said Representative Paul Gosar, DDS (AZ-04).

"Those who represent our country on the international stage should do so with patriotism and honor. They shouldn't use it as an excuse to spew anti-American propaganda on the international stage. If that's the message our athletes want to send to the world, they can let someone else have their spot on America's team," said Representative Chip Roy (TX-21).

“American Olympic athletes have the honor and privilege of representing the United States on an international stage. The Olympic Games are a celebration of athletic achievement and should not be turned into an arena for divisive, anti-American acts. I hope the Olympic and Paralympic Committee ensures their charter rules and standards are upheld and I look forward to cheering on American athletes as they showcase their skills and respectfully represent the greatest country in the world,” said Representative Daniel Webster (FL-11).

"Representing America in the Olympics is a privilege and honor reserved for the most hardworking and determined athletes. The honor to compete at this level should not be misused to participate in the alarming trend of divisive, anti-American rhetoric we have increasingly seen promoted by today’s Left," said Representative Tom Tiffany (WI-07).

“Representing the United States at the Olympic games is a great honor and privilege. Yet, some Olympic athletes have used their platform to disrespect the American flag and all the good that it represents. This is an affront to every man and woman who served our nation and a clear violation of the International Olympic Committee’s rules which forbid any athlete from making political or racial demonstrations at any official Olympic venue. I hope the United States Olympic Committee takes these actions seriously, and I expect the athletes performing this summer to represent our nation with patriotism,” said Representative Fred Keller (PA-12).

“The pinnacle of athletic achievement is representing one's nation at the Olympics. It is inexcusable for American athletes to use participation in the Olympics, whether its events or ceremonies, as a platform to embarrass the United States. There will be plenty of opportunities for successful athletes to raise their concerns after the games. The only activism an athlete should be focused on is reminding the world of America’s perennial dominance in the Olympic Games. Otherwise, do not don the red, white, and blue on a global stage only to spew hatred towards the country you chose to represent,” said Representative Andy Biggs (AZ-05).

In addition to Representative Rosendale, the letter was signed by Representatives Ralph Norman (SC-05), Tom Tiffany (WI-07), Bob Good (VA-05), Jim Banks (IN-03), Scott DesJarlais, M.D. (TN-04), Marjorie Taylor Greene (GA-14), Mary Miller (IL-15), Chip Roy (TX-21), Madison Cawthorn (NC-11), Dan Crenshaw (TX-02), Bill Johnson (OH-06), Doug LaMalfa (CA-01), Daniel Webster (FL-11), Lance Gooden (TX-05), Diana Harshbarger (TN-01), Jason Smith (MO-08), Jeff Duncan (SC-03), Rick Crawford (AR-01), Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04), Randy K. Weber (TX-14), Barry Moore (AL-02), Ted Budd (NC-13), Brian Mast (FL-18), Brian Babin (TX-36), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Fred Keller (PA-12), Lauren Boebert (CO-03), Andy Biggs (AZ-05), Vicky Hartzler (MO-04), Bill Posey (FL-08), Rob Wittman (VA-01), Debbie Lesko (AZ-08), Mike Johnson (LA-04), W. Gregory Steube (FL-17), Robert B. Aderholt (AL-04), Scott Perry (PA-04), Richard Hudson (NC-08), and Gregory F. Murphy, M.D. (NC-03).