Former President Donald Trump has publicly commented on the surprising reception JD Vance received at the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The U.S. senator and former vice-presidential candidate, who is 41 years old, found himself at the center of an unexpected moment when fans at the iconic San Siro Stadium greeted him with boos and jeers rather than the cheers typically reserved for American dignitaries. While the athletes representing the United States were met with loud applause and standing ovations as they entered the stadium, cameras captured Vance and his wife, Usha, waving the American flag, only to be met with a noticeably colder response from the international crowd. Though the moment generated murmurs and commentary online, American viewers largely missed the reaction, as NBC reportedly cut the footage from its live broadcast, leaving many at home unaware of the chilly welcome.

The reaction Vance experienced was not isolated. Similar treatment was directed toward athletes representing Israel, who were also met with boos upon entering the stadium during the opening ceremony. This prompted some observers to question the crowd’s behavior, particularly given that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) president, Kirsty Coventry, had issued a public plea earlier in the week urging spectators to remain respectful during the ceremonies. Despite these warnings, the response from the audience suggested that civility was not universally observed. Mark Adams, a spokesperson for the IOC, later addressed the jeering toward Vance, stating, “In terms of the athletes and the teams, whatever background, whatever country they’re from, we don’t like to see booing. We want to see sportsperson-like behavior from everyone. It’s important that we support our athletes.” His remarks underscored the organization’s position that decorum and respect should be maintained, even in the presence of high-profile figures.

Donald Trump weighed in on the unfolding conversation while speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Friday. He expressed his surprise at the response Vance received, framing the jeering as unexpected for someone he considers widely respected. “It’s surprising because people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, in all fairness. But he doesn’t get booed in this country,” Trump said, emphasizing that Vance’s reception abroad differed sharply from how he is typically treated in the United States. While Trump’s remarks highlighted his perception of Vance as a popular figure, fact-checkers and political observers noted that Vance has, in fact, been booed on American soil multiple times. These incidents included a speech at the International Association of Fire Fighters in August 2024, as well as a delayed appearance at a March 2025 event at the Kennedy Center, where audience frustration at his tardiness manifested in audible jeers.

The incident at the Olympics quickly gained traction on social media, where Vance’s wife, Usha, shared a snapshot of the couple waving the American flag at the opening ceremony. Her caption read: “What a thrilling start to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan! Go Team USA – we’re rooting for you!” The post, intended to celebrate the ceremony and their country’s athletes, became a focal point for commentary regarding the couple’s treatment by the crowd. Social media users were quick to inject humor and irony into the conversation, with comments highlighting the apparent disconnect between the cheerful caption and the audience’s frosty reception. One user wrote, “Could you repeat that? I couldn’t hear over the boos.” Another quipped, “The crowd knew the assignment,” while a third added, “Didn’t y’all get booed?” The comments reflected a mix of amusement, criticism, and incredulity at the unusual spectacle.

Political analysts observed that the episode at Milan’s San Siro Stadium illustrates the increasingly polarized climate surrounding public figures and political representatives abroad. While athletes often enjoy enthusiastic support regardless of their political affiliations, the reaction to Vance suggests that audiences sometimes differentiate between sports figures and political figures even when both are present at the same event. In addition, the incident highlights the complex intersection of media coverage, national identity, and international perception. NBC’s decision to omit the moment from its broadcast raises questions about editorial judgment and audience management, prompting debates over whether networks should shield viewers from controversial reactions or provide a more complete picture of events as they unfold. The controversy has since sparked discussions across cable news networks, social media platforms, and political talk shows about how public figures are received in international settings and the extent to which partisan perceptions influence spectator behavior.

Despite the boos and public scrutiny, Vance and his wife appeared composed, waving to fans and maintaining a positive demeanor throughout the ceremony. The couple’s response to the jeers, paired with Trump’s defense, has fueled broader conversations about civility, respect, and the role of international audiences in interpreting political figures. Observers also noted that such reactions are not uncommon for politicians with a high profile, as Vance has been both praised and criticized for his policy positions and public statements. Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live events, particularly those broadcast globally, and how a single moment can generate significant media attention. For the United States, the episode underscores the importance of separating support for athletes from political sentiment, a principle the IOC continues to advocate through its emphasis on respectful and sportsmanlike conduct.

In conclusion, the response to JD Vance at the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony highlights the intersection of sports, politics, and public perception on a global stage. While the booing drew attention and criticism, it also provided an opportunity for reflection on international etiquette, media coverage, and the expectations placed upon public figures in ceremonial roles. Donald Trump’s remarks, expressing surprise at the reception, further intensified the conversation, illustrating how reactions to public figures can become politicized even in settings intended to celebrate athletic achievement. Social media, with its mixture of humor and critique, amplified the moment, making it a subject of widespread discussion long after the ceremony concluded. The episode serves as a vivid example of how appearances, reputation, and audience sentiment converge in unexpected ways, and it will likely remain a reference point in future debates about the behavior of global audiences toward visiting dignitaries. As the Winter Olympics continue in Milan and Cortina, the story of Vance’s reception stands as a reminder that even in the world’s largest sporting spectacles, political realities and public perceptions are never far behind.