Trump Expresses Surprise Over Frosty Reception for Vice President Vance at Winter Olympics
US President Donald Trump has voiced his astonishment following reports that Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, received a notably cold reception during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympic Games in Italy. The incident occurred as the vice president attended the event as the US presidential delegate to the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games.
Booing Erupts at Historic San Siro Stadium
During the Parade of Nations on February 6 at the iconic San Siro Stadium in Milan, the audience reportedly greeted Vice President Vance with loud boos when he appeared on the big screen. This reaction stood in stark contrast to the warm welcome extended to the US athletes participating in the Winter Olympics, highlighting a clear divide in the crowd's sentiments.
Commenting on the broadcast, CBC commentator Adrienne Arsenault noted, "There’s the vice president, JD Vance, and his wife, Usha—oop. Those are not—oh, those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause." The jeering underscored the frosty atmosphere faced by the US delegation at this international multi-sport event.
Trump's Reaction to the Controversy
When questioned by a reporter about the incident, President Trump initially seemed unaware, asking, "No. Is that true? Is that right?" After the reporter repeated the query regarding the booing, Trump expressed his surprise, stating, "It's surprising! Because people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, you know, in all fairness. He doesn't get booed in this country."
This response came amid broader discussions about international relations and public perceptions, with Trump emphasizing the domestic popularity of Vice President Vance while acknowledging the complexities of foreign engagements.
International Olympic Committee's Stance on Respect
Prior to the event, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry had addressed concerns about potential jeering, urging respect during the opening ceremony. She stated, "I hope that the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful of each other." However, the booing incident suggests that this message was not fully heeded by all attendees.
The controversy has sparked conversations about diplomacy and sportsmanship at global events, raising questions about how political figures are received in international arenas.
Milano Cortina 2026 Kicks Off with Cultural Tributes
Despite the contentious moment, the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games officially commenced on a high note on Friday, featuring vibrant tributes to Italian cultural icons. The opening ceremony celebrated figures such as:
- Mona Lisa artist Leonardo da Vinci
- Italian poet and writer Dante Alighieri
- Italian composer Giacomo Puccini
- Italian singer-songwriter Laura Pausini
- Italian luxury fashion house Armani
- Italian film director and screenwriter Federico Fellini
The event set a festive tone for the games, which will conclude with the closing ceremony on February 22 in Verona, the iconic setting of Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." As the Winter Olympics progress, all eyes remain on the performances of athletes and the broader dynamics of international relations playing out on this global stage.
