Donald Trump has weighed in after Vice President JD Vance received a mixed and at times frosty reception during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Vance, 41, attended the event alongside his wife, Usha Vance, at the packed San Siro Stadium on 6 February. While Team USA athletes were welcomed with cheers, cameras captured boos and jeers from sections of the crowd when Vance appeared waving the American flag. Similar reactions were reported when Israeli athletes entered the stadium. According to reports, the negative crowd response was not fully aired during NBC’s U.S. broadcast. Ahead of the ceremony, International Olympic Committee president Kirsty Coventry had urged spectators to remain respectful. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams later emphasized the importance of good sportsmanship, stating that athletes and teams, regardless of nationality, deserve support rather than hostility.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he was “surprised” by the reaction toward his vice president, adding that Vance “doesn’t get booed in this country,” though he acknowledged the event took place overseas. However, Vance has previously faced public criticism at events in the United States, including at a firefighters’ conference in 2024 and during an appearance at the Kennedy Center last year. Despite the reaction in Milan, Usha Vance shared a positive message on Instagram, calling the ceremony a “thrilling start” to the Games and expressing support for Team USA. The post’s comment section quickly filled with reactions referencing the stadium response, highlighting how political figures can draw divided opinions even at global sporting events meant to unite audiences.