On Friday night, Team USA received a warm welcome as the 2026 Winter Olympics officially kicked off in Milan. But that welcome did not extend to everyone representing the United States.
As American athletes entered San Siro Stadium during the Parade of Nations, the crowd erupted in cheers. Dressed in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, the team waved to spectators as pride and excitement filled the stadium.
Moments later, the mood sharply changed.
When U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance appeared on the stadium’s Jumbotron, a chorus of boos erupted. Vance waved small American flags from the grandstand, but the crowd’s disapproval was unmistakable.
Vance booed during the Olympic opening ceremony pic.twitter.com/JCiQwjhKlh
— Molly Ploofkins (@Mollyploofkins) February 6, 2026
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The difference was striking.
The United States was the third-to-last country to enter the stadium, just before France and host nation Italy. Speed skater Erin Jackson led the team, confidently waving the American flag beneath the glowing Olympic rings.
While the main ceremony took place in Milan, the Parade of Nations stretched across four separate venues. American athletes entered in Livigno, Predazzo, and Cortina, based on their events, with bobsledder Frank Del Duca carrying the U.S. flag in Cortina.
The boos erupted amid ongoing political tensions tied to the Trump administration, following staged protests in Milan over reports of U.S. immigration enforcement presence linked to the Games.
A U.S. Olympic official later clarified reports about immigration enforcement. “I can tell you unequivocally that there are no ICE agents that are part of the Team USA delegation on the ground here in Milan,” said Nicole Deal, the U.S. Olympic security chief. She added that it was unclear whether agents were assisting with embassy security planning.
Italian authorities promptly denied the claims. Italy’s interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, told lawmakers directly, “ICE does not and will never be able to carry out operational police activities on our national territory.”
Despite the controversy, the ceremony moved forward.
Vance was seated next to Italian President Sergio Mattarella and International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry. When Mattarella was introduced, the crowd cheered loudly. Vance’s initial appearance went mostly unnoticed, until Team USA took the stage.
Earlier in the ceremony, the Israeli delegation was also met with boos, while Ukraine received a long and emotional round of applause from the crowd.
President Donald Trump did not attend the event. JD Vance took the lead for the U.S. delegation, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tom Fertitta.
Featured image via X screengrab
