A Tennessee Republican is taking aim at American athletes who turn their backs on the United States to compete for foreign adversaries, introducing legislation that would hit these Benedict Arnolds where it hurts most – their wallets.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-TN) has unveiled the "Officially Limiting Yearly Money Procured by Individuals Concerning Sportsmanship Act" – aptly dubbed the OLYMPICS Act – which would impose hefty taxes on income earned by Americans who compete internationally for foreign governments designated as "entities of concern."
The bill directly targets athletes like freestyle skier Eileen Gu, who infamously ditched Team USA to represent Communist China at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, pocketing millions in Chinese sponsorship deals while American taxpayers funded her development through youth programs and training facilities.
Putting America First in Sports
"Why should American taxpayers subsidize the training and development of athletes who then turn around and compete against us for hostile foreign nations?" the legislation essentially asks. It's a question that should have been asked years ago as we watched our own athletes cash Chinese checks while wearing the Communist Party's colors.
The OLYMPICS Act would apply specifically to athletes representing countries classified as foreign entities of concern – think China, Russia, and Iran. These are nations actively working against American interests, yet somehow we've been okay with our athletes becoming their poster children for the right price.
"This isn't about limiting opportunity – it's about consequences for choices that undermine American competitiveness and values," the bill's framework suggests.
The Gu case perfectly illustrates the problem. Born and raised in America, trained with American resources, then conveniently "discovered" her Chinese heritage when Beijing offered the bigger payday. She became the face of Chinese Olympic propaganda while Americans wondered how we let this happen.
Accountability at Last
Under the Trump-Vance administration's America First agenda, this kind of accountability legislation is exactly what patriots have been demanding. Why should there be no consequences for athletes who take American training and opportunities, then use them to compete against us?
The OLYMPICS Act sends a clear message: if you want to cash foreign checks and wrap yourself in hostile flags, you'll pay American taxes on every dollar earned. It's about time someone in Congress stood up for the American athletes who actually represent our country with pride.
Will this finally end the era of mercenary athletes selling out Team USA for foreign gold? Patriots can only hope Ogles' fellow Republicans have the backbone to pass it.