Trump 'surprised' after JD Vance booed at Olympics opening ceremony

WASHINGTON, DC: President Donald Trump commented on the boos directed at Vice President JD Vance during the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony at Milan's San Siro Stadium. 

When asked about the incident, Trump appeared astonished and said, "That's surprising." He quickly added, "He doesn't get booed in this country," referring to the United States.

Vance and his wife, Second lady Usha Vance, were present at the event, waving miniature American flags from the San Siro grandstand. The crowd’s reaction was immediate, as they began booing him. Several videos of Vance are currently circulating online.

Trump shares candid thoughts on JD Vance being booed at 2026 Winter Olympics

While flying from Washington to Mar-a-Lago, POTUS interacted with reporters as usual. During the conversation, he was asked several questions, including one about Vance being booed at the Winter Olympics.

When a reporter asked, “The vice president got booed during the opening ceremony. What do you make of that frosty reception?” Trump looked slightly surprised, his facial expression giving it away, and asked the reporter if it was true. The reporter nodded and could be heard saying, "Yeah."

Trump responded, "That's surprising because people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, you know, in all fairness. He doesn't get booed in this country."

JD Vance draws attention during Winter Olympics Parade of Nations 

JD Vance was seated next to the President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella, and the President of the International Olympic Committee, Kirsty Coventry. At first, Vance’s presence went mostly unnoticed, as the crowd cheered for Mattarella. Well, during the Parade of Nations, the spectators made their feelings clear, loudly booing the vice president.

Vance faced these boos as the world continues to follow political issues connected to the Trump administration. Before Friday’s opening ceremony, on February 6, protests about the US immigration policy took place in Milan. 

As per People, an Olympic official confirmed that ICE agents were not included in the Olympic delegation, though it was unclear if they were assisting the US embassy with security.

When US athletes entered the stadium in matching Ralph Lauren outfits, cheers filled the stadium, though scattered boos could also be heard. Other delegations got mixed reactions; even the Israeli team was booed, while Ukraine received long applause.

Vance met Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and watched parts of the team figure skating event, enjoying the performances and interacting with athletes and officials.