At a venue once known for its grandeur, now repurposed for political symbolism, the 2008 Olympic all-around champion stood beside Donald Trump as he signed an executive order. Nastia Liukin, long associated with pink leotards and podium finishes, had entered a new arena. This time, not as an athlete or entrepreneur, but as a figure positioned at the intersection of sport and politics. And the gymnastics community, accustomed to her leadership through the annual Nastia Liukin Cup, was caught off guard by her sudden alignment with the former president’s Olympic strategy team.
Liukin’s post-gymnastics career has largely centered on initiatives that celebrate young athletes. Since its inception in 2010, the Nastia Liukin Cup has evolved into one of the most prominent showcases for Level 10 gymnasts across the United States. Held this year at the Kentucky International Convention Center, the event marked its 16th edition and featured 44 gymnasts from 22 qualifying meets. From curated pink apparel in collaboration with leotard sponsor OZONE to athlete gifting sessions and a welcome dinner at Churchill Downs, the Cup has been an extension of Liukin’s vision. “Her touch is on every part of the schedule, collateral, and the overarching experience,” her talent agency SMITH&SAINT noted.
Now, she brings that meticulous planning to a task force led by Trump and vice-chaired by J.D. Vance. Liukin appeared at the White House alongside former Paralympic swimmer Brad Snyder, as the executive order was signed to establish the committee for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The group will address issues such as national security, visa processing, and credentialing for incoming athletes, coaches, and international personnel. “We’ll do anything necessary to keep the Olympics safe,” Trump said. “Including using our National Guard or military—this is going to be so safe—if we have to.”
VANCOUVER, BC – FEBRUARY 18: United States Olympic gymnast Nastia Liukin hangs out at the USA House on February 18, 2010 in Vancouver, Canada. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images)
Trump will chair the task force, which includes Cabinet officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. He used the moment to voice support for the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee’s stance on transgender athletes, stating, “The United States will not let men steal trophies from women at the 2028 Olympics.” His remarks were met with a delayed and cautious round of applause.
LA28 chair Casey Wasserman, who presented Trump with a set of 1984 Olympic medals, called the task force “an important step forward” for the Games’ preparation.
Meanwhile, with Liukin’s inclusion, the gymnastics world finds itself reevaluating her evolving role, not just as a former champion or Cup founder, but as a newly visible figure within Olympic governance.
Nastia Liukin stuns the gymnastics world by joining Trump’s Olympic task force
Liukin’s unexpected presence at a political event beside Trump, once known more for pink leotards than partisanship, prompted fans to exclaim, “What the complete and utter f— is happening?” Her shift from nurturing young gymnasts to co-strategizing Olympic national security under a polarizing figure is jarring for a community that never saw her as politically active.
When one fan asked, “Task force on what?” the confusion was warranted. The newly formed committee, though focused on safety, visas, and credentialing, lacks clarity in scope. For many, its vague objectives, wrapped in Trump’s dramatic language about military involvement, blur the line between sports planning and political theater.
SOCHI, RUSSIA – FEBRUARY 05: (BROADCAST-OUT) Retired gymnast Nastia Liukin reports for NBC Sports in the Olympic Park ahead of the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics on February 5, 2014 in Sochi, Russia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)
The reaction “NASTIA WASN’T EVEN BORN IN THE USA!!!!” stems from her Russian roots. Though a naturalized American citizen who’s proudly worn red, white, and blue, Liukin’s birth in Moscow adds irony to her now helping shape policies that include strict credentialing for international personnel, policies likely affecting athletes just like her once was.
“Why tho? Why does he want a retired gymnast? Why does she want to be involved in politics?” captures a sentiment many share. Liukin’s past focused on elevating youth talent through initiatives like her Cup, far from federal politics. Her leap into governance, especially under Trump’s leadership, feels disconnected from her athletic legacy.
When a fan remarked, “This is not shocking unfortunately,” it reflected a growing cynicism. With athletes increasingly stepping into politically charged roles, Liukin’s involvement, while still surprising, feels like a continuation of a broader trend where sports figures are enlisted to add public appeal, regardless of expertise or alignment.
Thoughts?
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