At the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan’s San Siro Stadium, U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance were shown briefly on the stadium’s big screen as the U.S. delegation entered. Instead of the expected warm applause, a noticeable portion of the crowd reacted with boos, hissing and jeering as Vance appeared on camera. This drew immediate attention from journalists and quickly went viral on social media and international broadcasts.
While Team USA’s athletes received loud cheers and support from the audience, the crowd’s reaction to Vance was strikingly colder, and commentators on several international feeds acknowledged the negative response.
Why the Reaction Was So Strong
The boos reflect broader political tensions both within Italy and internationally. Local protests in Milan prior to the Games had centered around concerns about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) involvement in Olympic security, with demonstrations declaring opposition to ICE presence. Although U.S. officials clarified that ICE was not part of the formal Olympic security team, the controversy had already stirred strong emotions among locals and visitors in Italy. In addition, Vance’s political profile — as a prominent figure in the U.S. administration — and recent rhetoric on issues like Europe, immigration, and national sovereignty likely contributed to the crowd’s reaction. Some analysts have described the boos as symbolic of wider global sentiment and declining perceptions of U.S. political leadership among certain foreign audiences.
Official Response and Diplomatic Fallout
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) responded to the incident by urging for “fair play” and respect among spectators. IOC communications director Mark Adams said the focus of the Games should remain on sport and unity, and that support for athletes should not be overshadowed by political demonstrations. The IOC also highlighted the importance of treating all participants and delegates with respect, irrespective of geopolitical disagreements. IOC leaders additionally emphasized that the U.S. government’s engagement with the Games and preparations for future events — including the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles — was seen as positive for the Olympic community, even amid moments of public dissent.
Media Coverage Reactions
International broadcasters such as Canada’s CBC and various European networks aired audible boos and reactions from the crowd. However, some U.S. broadcasts were reported to have muted or minimized the negative crowd noise, leading to debate over how home audiences perceived the event compared with what was heard globally. On social platforms, clips of the incident circulated widely, with commentators noting how rare it is for a high-ranking official to receive such a direct and audible reaction during an Olympic opening ceremony.
Broader Reaction and Context
Former President Donald Trump, under whom Vance serves as vice president, commented that he was “surprised” to learn of the boos, framing it as unexpected given Vance’s popularity at home. This reaction highlighted the disconnect between domestic political narratives and international public perception. Political analysts suggest the reaction at the Olympics underscores how global sporting events can become flashpoints for expressing broader geopolitical sentiments, especially when high-profile government officials are present. Spectators in Milan also directed boos toward other delegations for unrelated geopolitical reasons, illustrating how global issues are intersecting with major international competitions.
What It Means for the Games
Despite the controversy, the opening ceremony continued with strong support for athletes across nations, and organizers reaffirmed that the Olympics should celebrate peaceful competition and unity. The incident involving JD Vance has sparked discussion about how political figures are received at international sporting events and the challenges of maintaining a depoliticized atmosphere in a globally interconnected world.
