House Republicans express concern to US Olympic Committee over athletes who protest against the US

More than three dozen House Republicans have reached out to the U.S. Olympic Committee expressing concerns over political statements of American athletes who will be representing the U.S. at this summer’s games in Tokyo.

The letter, penned by Rep. Matt Rosendale, R-Mont., and written to U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee Chair Susanne Lyons and CEO Sarah Hirshland, read in part: "We are deeply concerned by the growing trend of American athletes taking advantage of the international platform afforded by the Olympic games to perpetuate divisive, hateful and anti-American ideologies." Thirty-nine House lawmakers signed the letter, including Reps. Dan Crenshaw, R-Texas, Debbie Lesko, R-Ariz., Jim Banks, R-Ind., Madison Cawthorn, R-N.C., and Lauren Boebert, R-Colo. Rosendale told Fox News certain athletes "use the United States flag and banner to elevate themselves and to get… five minutes of fame, if you will." He said Americans have wanted Olympians "to compete as hard as they can to follow all the rules and to hopefully come out victoriously and show and showcase the United States of America."