US Vice President JD Vance Faces Hostile Reception at 2026 Winter Olympics Opening
In a striking display of international sentiment, US Vice President JD Vance was met with loud boos and whistles from the crowd during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Friday, February 6. The incident occurred at the iconic San Siro Stadium, where the Jumbotron prominently displayed Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance, prompting an immediate and negative reaction from the assembled spectators.
Swift Shift in Crowd Reaction as Team USA Appears
The vocal disapproval directed at the vice president was notably brief. Within seconds, as the Jumbotron shifted its focus to feature Team USA, the crowd's demeanor transformed dramatically. The boos and whistles ceased abruptly, replaced by enthusiastic applause and cheers for the American athletes. This rapid change highlighted a clear distinction in the audience's perception between the political representatives and the sporting delegation.
Official US Delegation and Political Context
Vance, aged 41, was part of the official United States delegation representing President Donald Trump at the international games. He was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Tilman Fertitta, the US Ambassador to Italy. Their presence at the event underscored the administration's engagement with global sporting diplomacy.
The hostile reception towards Vance is widely interpreted within the context of escalating political tensions in the United States and growing international criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies. Observers suggest the crowd's reaction may reflect broader global discontent with current US political directions.
President Trump's Reaction to the Incident
When informed about the booing incident, President Donald Trump expressed surprise. In remarks to reporters, Trump stated, "That's surprising because people like him. He doesn't get booed in this country." This response underscores the administration's perspective on Vance's domestic popularity contrasting with the international reception at the Olympic event.
The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony thus became an unexpected platform for political expression, with the crowd's reaction to Vice President Vance serving as a poignant moment in the intersection of international sports and global politics.
