The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy, are drawing attention for their political undertones, particularly involving Donald Trump. American athletes face questions about events at home, leading to candid responses that provoke strong reactions. A Slate podcast explores how politics inevitably enters the Games despite ideals of unity.
The 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics, hosted in Italy, are under the spotlight not just for athletic achievements but for the persistent influence of politics. According to a Slate podcast episode titled "The Olympics are (always) political," published on February 15, 2026, the event features discussions on how global gatherings like these cannot escape political realities. Guest Justin Peters, a Slate correspondent covering the Olympics and author of The Idealist: Aaron Swartz and the Rise of Free Culture on the Internet, highlights the irony: the Games are promoted as a space to "come together and celebrate sport and achievement and check their politics at the door—yeah right."
A key focus is on American athletes, who are repeatedly asked about domestic issues, including those tied to Donald Trump. Their honest answers have elicited furious responses, underscoring the tension between sports and politics. The podcast's description notes, "If these Olympics have too much Trump for you, just wait until 2028," alluding to future events potentially amplifying such dynamics.
Peters' on-the-ground reporting from Milano-Cortina emphasizes that political discourse is unavoidable, even as organizers aim for apolitical unity. The episode, part of Slate's What Next daily news podcast, is produced by a team including Elena Schwartz, Paige Osburn, Anna Phillips, Madeline Ducharme, and Rob Gunther. It invites listeners to subscribe for ad-free access via Slate Plus.
Keywords associated with the podcast include 2026-olympics, donald-trump, and olympics, reflecting the blend of sports and current affairs.
