Adam Rippon Among Team USA Stars Skipping White House Visit
The 2018 U.S. Winter Olympic and Paralympic teams went to the White House on Friday for the customary meeting and picture posing with President Donald Trump.
But the group was missing some notable athletes who choose not to attend the meeting with Trump and Vice President Mike Pence.
Lindsey Vonn, Erin Hamlin, Adam Rippon, Chloe Kim and Gus Kenworthy were among the athletes who choose not to go, according to USA Today. None of the athletes were mentioned in Trump's remarks.
Rippon, who said back in February he wouldn't visit the White House and has been outspoken of the administration, chose to use the day to donate to his favorite causes. Before, during and after the Olympics, Rippon was critical of Pence's views on gay marriage. The figure skater won a bronze medal and was one of the two openly-gay Americans competing in PyeongChang.
"Olympians from the 2018 Games have been invited to go to the White House today," Rippon tweeted. "I will not be going. I will not stand with people who discriminate against those that they perceive as different. In lieu of going to DC, I have donated to a few of my favorite causes."
Vonn, a bronze medalist in downhill skiing, was subject to a lot of online criticism after she said that she hoped 'to represent the people of the United States, not the president.' She was mocked on social media by many Trump supporters after she failed to medal in the women's Super-G.
Kim did not attend due to a wedding commitment.
Kentworthy, who is also openly gay, tweeted: "All US Olympians and Paralympians are invited to visit the White House and meet the President after the Games. Today is this year's visit and USOC spokesperson says he's never seen so many athletes turn down their invites. The resistance is real."
