US Vice President J.D. Vance Booed During 2026 Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony in Milan
United States Vice President J.D. Vance was met with loud boos and jeers on Friday night after appearing on the jumbotron during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.
Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were shown standing and waving American flags inside the San Siro Stadium as Team USA was being introduced to the crowd. According to NBC’s broadcast commentary, the reaction from spectators included audible hissing directed at the Vice President.
While cheers followed shortly afterward, commentators noted that the applause appeared to be aimed at the American athletes rather than the political figure, underscoring the clear distinction in audience sentiment. The moment highlighted the political tensions that briefly intruded on the celebratory sporting atmosphere.
The incident came days after Vance attended an Olympic ice hockey match in Milan alongside US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and two Olympic gold medal-winning hockey sisters. Both Vance and Rubio are widely viewed as potential contenders for the 2028 Republican presidential nomination, adding further political weight to their presence at the Games.
Olympics organisers had reportedly anticipated political reactions during the ceremony. The appearance of Israel’s delegation also drew boos from sections of the crowd, reflecting broader global tensions surrounding the event.
Vance’s visit has additionally coincided with rumours circulating in Italy about the alleged presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating during the Games. Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, moved to shut down the speculation, telling the Chamber of Deputies that ICE would not conduct any law enforcement operations on Italian soil.
“ICE does not and will never be able to carry out operational police activities on our national territory,” Piantedosi said, clarifying that any ICE personnel present would be restricted to information sharing and analysis in collaboration with Italian authorities.
Meanwhile, Team USA has arrived at the Milano Cortina Games with a record-breaking delegation of 232 athletes, marking the largest American contingent ever sent to a Winter Olympics.
