MILAN (AP) — Utah Gov. Spencer Cox stated Tuesday that the United States is “still a very welcoming place” amid global scrutiny of the country’s political direction, speaking at the Milan Cortina Olympics.
The Republican governor addressed questions from European media during a news conference in Milan, where he was promoting the 2034 Winter Games in Utah, eight years before the opening ceremony. The Olympics have been a venue for discussion of U.S. International diplomacy and domestic politics.
Recent events at the Olympics included U.S. Vice President JD Vance being booed at the opening ceremony and African members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) questioning organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games about visitor visas. U.S. Athletes have likewise faced questions about representing their country, with President Donald Trump criticizing some of their statements.
“We care deeply about the political situation that is happening in the United States right now,” Cox said, responding to a German reporter’s question about the contrast between Utah’s Olympic vision and current U.S. News. He added that “those are political issues that will be worked through,” and noted that elections, like those in Germany, will determine future outcomes.
Cox, known for promoting civility, also expressed his belief that the media sometimes focuses excessively on political issues when questioning U.S. Athletes. He stated, “I love that we get to live in a country where people get to speak their minds,” and suggested that news coverage doesn’t represent the entirety of life in the U.S.
He affirmed that the U.S. Remains a welcoming nation, acknowledging “some differences of opinion right now when it comes to the way that laws are being enforced,” but stating that these issues “will play out.”
Protecting Athletes
Cox was joined at the news conference by Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall and Utah Winter Games organizers, including Sarah Hirshland, chief executive of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee. Hirshland defended freestyle skier Hunter Hess after President Trump called him a “real loser” for expressing “mixed emotions” about the current state of affairs in the U.S.
Hirshland emphasized the importance of understanding the full context of statements made by athletes, stating, “I have all the confidence in the world that every member of Team USA is proud to represent our country.”
Snow Making and Storing
Looking ahead to the 2034 Games, organizers are considering the impact of climate change on snowfall. The International Olympic Committee is open to scheduling future Winter Games in January to avoid warmer temperatures in March. Fraser Bullock, president of the Utah organizing committee, noted that Utah’s cold January and February nights allow for reliable snowmaking and storage, preserving approximately 70% of snow from one winter to the next using thermal blankets.
Ticket Prices
Organizers are addressing concerns about ticket prices, referencing the high costs associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Utah Olympics plan to offer 34,000 tickets at $34 apiece, subsidized by sales of higher-priced tickets with hospitality packages. The Utah Winter Games have an operating budget of nearly $3 billion, funded by sponsorship, ticket sales, and contributions from the IOC.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Gov. Cox’s main message at the Milan Cortina Olympics?
Gov. Cox stated that the United States is “still a very welcoming place.”
What concerns were raised during the Olympics regarding the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games?
African members of the IOC questioned organizers of the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games about visas for visitors.
What is the Utah Olympics’ plan to address high ticket prices?
The Utah Olympics plans to subsidize 34,000 tickets at $34 apiece through the sale of higher-priced tickets with hospitality packages.
As the 2034 Winter Games approach, how might evolving political and social landscapes influence the experience for athletes and visitors alike?
