JD Vance and Jake Paul Share Seats at US Women's Hockey Victory in Milan
United States Vice President JD Vance was observed sitting alongside YouTube influencer and professional boxer Jake Paul during the US women's hockey team's commanding 5-0 triumph over Finland at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics on Saturday. The pair watched from the stands as the American team delivered a dominant performance on the ice.
Family and Celebrity Gathering in the Arena
Vance arrived with his family during the first interval, with the US already leading 1-0. Paul, whose fiancée Jutta Leerdam is a Dutch speedskater competing at these Games, joined them shortly afterward. The Vice President held his youngest child, Mirabel, on his lap, while his wife, Usha Vance, wore a sweatshirt emblazoned with "USA" and clapped along to Queen's "We Will Rock You" before the second period commenced.
Both Vance and Paul stood to applaud when the American women's team scored, cheering enthusiastically just minutes later as another goal was netted. The atmosphere was one of celebration among the group, with Paul, a vocal supporter of the Trump administration who attended Trump's second inauguration with his brother Logan, appearing to share jokes with the Vice President.
Notable Figures in Attendance
Among other distinguished individuals seated near Vance were 2010 Olympic figure skating gold medallist Evan Lysacek, and the twin sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, both Hall of Famers and members of the US gold medal-winning side at the 2018 Winter Games. This marked the second time that Vance has watched the US women's hockey team at these Olympics, having also attended their 5-1 victory over Czechia in the preliminary round on Thursday.
Contrasting Reception at the Opening Ceremony
This positive scene followed a notably different reception for Vance at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony on Friday evening. When the camera focused on him and his wife at the San Siro stadium, spectators responded with boos and whistles, despite cheers for Team USA athletes. Commentators on the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation's coverage highlighted this distinct shift, with one noting, "There's the vice president and his wife, Usha; those are not, oh, those are a lot of boos for him."
The Independent's Flo Clifford reported from inside the stadium, describing "a largely positive reception for the US contingent" but "very definite boos and jeers for vice president JD Vance and his wife." This reaction comes amid reports of eroding support for the US among its allies, as the Trump administration has adopted an aggressive foreign policy stance, including imposing tariffs, military action in Venezuela, and threats to invade Greenland.
The juxtaposition of Vance's experience at the opening ceremony and his later appearance with Paul at the hockey game underscores the complex political and social dynamics at play during international sporting events, where athletic achievement and diplomatic relations intersect in the global spotlight.
