During a high-profile appearance at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, were met with audible boos from sections of the crowd as they took their seats among international dignitaries. The couple had traveled to Italy to support Team USA and celebrate the start of the Games, but the reaction inside the stadium quickly became a talking point, with television commentators acknowledging the mixed response from spectators.
Despite the moment of tension, Vance shifted the focus back to the athletes themselves. Speaking afterward in an interview with CNN, the vice president emphasized that the Olympic stage should remain centered on sport rather than politics.
“You’re there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal,” Vance said. “You’re not there to get involved in politics.”
He stressed that the Olympic Games represent a rare opportunity for national unity, reminding competitors that when they wear the American flag, they carry the hopes of millions of citizens across the political spectrum. “When you represent the country, you represent Democrats and Republicans,” he noted. Vance added that political gestures or statements at the Olympics often provoke strong and divided reactions, potentially overshadowing the achievements of the athletes themselves.
Even amid political crosscurrents, Vance expressed admiration for Team USA, praising the dedication, discipline, and resilience of American competitors. He highlighted the pride many Americans feel while watching their athletes perform on the world stage, saying that, despite disagreements at home, support for Team USA remains broad and deeply rooted.
At the same time, some athletes acknowledged that representing the United States in the current political climate can feel complicated. Curler Richard Ruohonen shared that he hopes to embody values of respect, compassion, and sportsmanship while competing. Freestyle skier Hunter Hess admitted that wearing the national colors brings “mixed emotions,” reflecting broader societal tensions that have seeped into public discourse.
Elsewhere, former President Donald Trump reacted to reports of the crowd’s boos with surprise, defending the administration’s support for American athletes and underscoring what he described as strong backing for Team USA at home.
Meanwhile, Olympic officials worked to refocus attention on the spirit of the Games. Organizers reiterated their commitment to respect, sportsmanship, and peaceful competition, emphasizing that the Olympics remain a platform for unity rather than division. The International Olympic Committee echoed that sentiment, highlighting the enduring values of fair play and international cooperation, while welcoming continued engagement from the United States as preparations for future Olympic events move forward.
In the end, while the political undertones of the evening sparked headlines, the spotlight ultimately returned to the athletes — their performances, their perseverance, and their shared pursuit of excellence on one of the world’s grandest stages.
