JD Vance received a less than enthusiastic reception during the opening ceremony of this year’s Winter Olympics when briefly shown on screen.
The Winter Olympics committee, aiming for a harmonious and blissful opening ceremony on February 6 in Milan, faced unexpected reactions from the audience.
While athletes from various countries were met with cheers as they entered the stadium, a particular moment stood out, surprising the commentators.
When American athletes entered to the usual applause, a brief camera cut to JD Vance and his wife Usha resulted in the crowd’s boos, hisses, and jeers.
The commentator noted: “Uh… those are a lot of boos for him. Whistling, jeering, some applause.
“Not a long shot of him and his wife…”
Social media platforms echoed the scene with videos circulating online of Vance being booed.
One observer commented: “JD Vance being booed doesn’t just reflect on him—it’s a reminder of how domestic politics can spill onto the world stage, and how public perception abroad can differ drastically from at home.”
Another person remarked: “JD Vance gets boos. The world just gave the Trump admin the loudest ‘we’re not with him.’”
A third user stated: “Vance and Trump deserve much worse. I feel sorry for athletes who train so hard to represent their country with their courage, skill and honor.”
While another simply noted: “The American athletes were cheered and respected…Vance not so much.”
LADBIBLEgroup has reached out to NBC for comment regarding the alleged omission of boos from their broadcast.
Prior to this incident, International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry expressed: “I hope the opening ceremony is seen by everyone as an opportunity to be respectful.”
Despite the Vance incident, the remainder of the ceremony was filled with cheers and celebration throughout the stadium, with the loudest applause fittingly for the host nation, Italy.
As some events were already underway before the opening ceremony, fans are optimistic that the upcoming days will see their countries secure numerous gold medals.
Intriguingly, this year’s medals are anticipated to be the most expensive in the history of the Games.
Over 700 medals will be awarded to participants across the 16 sports in the Milan-Cortina games.
Due to the soaring prices of gold and silver, which have seen significant increases, each medal will cost the hosts up to three times the amount of those awarded at the 2024 Paris Olympics.