During the State of the Union address, President Donald Trump introduced the U.S. men’s Olympic hockey team and framed their gold medal victory as proof that “our country is winning again.”

Their appearance was also used to reinforce a political message.

Team USA represents the entire country — not one party, not one administration, and not one political narrative.

Athletes train for years to compete at the highest level. Their victories belong to the American people, not to campaign-style messaging during official addresses.

When Olympic champions are placed into partisan theater, it puts them in a position where simply showing up can be interpreted as political endorsement. That is unfair to the athletes and harmful to the spirit of sport.

Sports should bring Americans together — not be used as leverage in political battles.

We call on President Donald Trump and the White House to stop using Olympic athletes during official speeches and political events as symbols for partisan messaging.

Respect their achievement.
Protect their neutrality.
Keep Team USA out of political theater.

Photo: Kenny Holston/The New York Times/Reuters