JD Vance Attends US Women's Hockey Opener in Milan Amid Diplomatic Posturing
US Vice-President JD Vance made his first Olympic appearance on Thursday, attending the United States women's hockey team's opening game at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. The event, which saw Vance joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other dignitaries, unfolded with more focus on photo opportunities than political protests, despite underlying diplomatic tensions.
A High-Profile Delegation in the Stands
Vance is leading the official US delegation at the Winter Olympics, accompanied by his wife Usha Vance, Rubio, and billionaire Tilman Fertitta, the US ambassador to Italy. The group watched the preliminary round match against the Czech Republic from prime seats behind the scorer's table, alongside Olympic gold medal-winning hockey sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando.
The vice-president's arrival was guarded by approximately four dozen US Secret Service agents, forming a tight security perimeter. However, the crowd's reaction was largely muted, with most spectators and arena staff more interested in capturing the moment on their phones than expressing political sentiments.
Diplomatic Concerns and Subdued Atmosphere
Olympic officials had privately expressed concerns about potential vocal reactions against American athletes or officials, partly due to Italian political reactions to reports of US immigration enforcement analysts being present in an advisory capacity. Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi had dismissed criticism of their presence as politically motivated.
These fears proved largely unfounded during the hockey game. Neither national anthem was played before the match, and Vance arrived midway through the first period, missing any potential anthem-related demonstrations. The arena DJ played a techno remix of the Trump campaign anthem YMCA moments before the US team took the ice, though it was unclear whether this was intentional.
From Airport Arrival to Arena Applause
Earlier on Thursday, Vance and his wife arrived at Malpensa Airport, where they were greeted by Fertitta and a group of American athletes. Vance wore a blue jacket with a US flag patch, while Usha Vance sported a white fleece featuring the Stars and Stripes and Olympic rings.
Speaking with athletes, Vance framed the Olympics as a national unifier, telling them, "The whole country – Democrat, Republican, Independent – we're all rooting for you. We're cheering for you, and we know you're going to make us proud." He shared a personal anecdote about his wife's Olympic enthusiasm, suggesting the Games captivate even those not typically interested in sports.
On-Ice Action and Off-Ice Observations
On the ice, the US women's team dominated play against the Czech Republic, securing a 5-1 victory. Vance rose to applaud when Alex Carpenter scored the opening goal, with Lynyrd Skynyrd's Free Bird blasting across the sound system as US fans waved flags.
Throughout the game, Vance alternated between watching the action and scanning the crowd, maintaining the posture of a dignitary aware he was being observed as closely as the athletes. Veteran forward Hilary Knight said afterward that she and her teammates did not notice the vice-president's arrival, highlighting how the sporting event largely overshadowed the political presence.
Looking Ahead to the Opening Ceremony
Both Vance and Rubio are scheduled to attend Friday night's opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium, where Olympic officials hope to avoid political demonstrations. The US delegation is operating in what officials describe as a heightened diplomatic posture, recognizing the Games as both a sporting event and global political stage.
Vance is also scheduled to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during his visit, further emphasizing the diplomatic dimensions of his Olympic mission. The vice-president's activities on Thursday included meetings with US freestyle skiing teams, where he engaged with athletes individually and posed for photographs.
As the hockey game concluded, the day's events felt closer to Olympic theater than high-stakes geopolitics, with photo-ops and sporting enthusiasm prevailing over political confrontation in the Milan arena.
