JD Vance Issues Warning To US Olympians After He Was Booed At Opening Ceremony

JD Vance urged American competitors at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics to avoid making political statements, shortly after he and Usha Vance were booed during the opening ceremony at San Siro in Milan.

The negative reaction occurred as Team USA entered the stadium. While athletes received applause, some broadcasts—including coverage from CBC—captured clear jeering when the camera showed the vice-presidential couple.

Reports from The Independent described an otherwise warm welcome for U.S. athletes but noticeable boos directed at the Vances as they waved to the crowd.

In interviews, Vance said Olympians should focus on competition and national unity rather than political commentary, arguing that public statements at the Games often invite backlash. He emphasized representing all Americans regardless of party.

Some athletes, however, expressed mixed emotions about competing amid domestic political tensions. Coverage also noted criticism from Donald Trump toward one skier and his response to the crowd’s reaction overseas.

Amid protests in Milan tied to U.S. policy and Olympic costs, the International Olympic Committee called for respect. IOC president Kirsty Coventry and spokesperson Mark Adams stressed sportsmanship and positive cooperation ahead of the next Summer Games in Los Angeles.

Overall, the episode highlighted tension between political expression and athletic representation, with Vance framing the Olympics as a chance for unity while some competitors viewed participation through a more complicated national moment.