JD Vance booed during Winter Olympics opening ceremony

JD Vance and his wife were loudly booed by spectators during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics

US Vice President JD Vance, attending the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony alongside his wife Usha, was met with audible boos and jeers from the crowd when he appeared on the stadium’s big screen during the parade of nations on February 6, 2026.

The reception stood in stark contrast to the enthusiastic cheers for Team USA’s athletes earlier in the procession, as the American delegation entered San Siro Stadium ahead of the Games. Vance and his wife, waving small American flags, drew a notably chilly reaction from some spectators who voiced disapproval through whistles and booing.

 

 

 

 

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The moment was widely remarked upon by commentators covering the event, with reporters noting that such direct crowd jeers at an Olympic opening ceremony are unusual. While the United States athletes were celebrated with loud applause, the appearance of political figures, particularly Vance, drew a significantly different response.

Organisers and officials had called for a respectful and celebratory atmosphere ahead of the ceremony, with International Olympic Committee representatives emphasising unity and fair play amid global political tensions. After the incident, the IOC reiterated hopes that the Games would remain focused on sportsmanship and mutual respect between nations.

Observers have linked the reaction to Vance to broader political controversies surrounding US government policies, which have drawn criticism in Europe and elsewhere. However, the boos were brief in the context of the larger festive proceedings, and the overall mood for the opening was dominated by pageantry and support for the athletes competing in the three-week Winter Games.