This was unfair.
Vice President JD Vance faced an awkward moment on the international stage Friday after being booed during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy.
Vance attended the ceremony alongside his wife, Usha Vance, as the couple appeared on the stadium’s large video screen holding small American flags. Video footage circulating online shows scattered jeers from spectators as the U.S. vice president was introduced.
The reaction stood in stark contrast to the reception given moments later to American athletes. Team USA, dressed in red, white, and blue, received applause as they entered Milan’s historic San Siro for the traditional Parade of Athletes.
The incident occurred despite a public appeal for respect from the International Olympic Committee. Earlier in the week, IOC President Kirsty Coventry urged attendees to treat all athletes and visiting dignitaries with courtesy during the global event.
“I hope the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of each other,” Coventry said ahead of the Games, addressing concerns about possible political demonstrations.
WATCH:
BREAKING: In a stunning moment, JD Vance was just booed relentlessly at the Olympics. Wow. The Trump-Vance admin is humiliating us on the world stage. pic.twitter.com/06ryMvehDH
— Democratic Wins Media (@DemocraticWins) February 6, 2026
Relations between the United States and parts of Europe have been strained during President Trump’s second administration, particularly on issues related to defense, border enforcement, and foreign policy priorities. Those tensions have occasionally surfaced during international gatherings involving U.S. officials.
Political rhetoric in Italy has also added to the strained atmosphere. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala, a member of a left-leaning party, recently criticized U.S. immigration enforcement agencies and publicly objected to any involvement by American Homeland Security personnel in security efforts connected to the Games.
Despite the mixed reception, Vice President Vance continued his diplomatic schedule. He met with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the Prefettura di Milano and later attended the opening session of the three-day team figure skating competition.
Vance was joined by his family and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, underscoring the official nature of the U.S. delegation’s presence at the international sporting event.
The episode highlights how global sporting ceremonies, once designed to unite nations, are increasingly influenced by political tensions—leaving American officials facing open hostility even as U.S. athletes continue to earn respect abroad.
