A significant political presence graced the opening day of the Olympic Games in Milan as US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the United States women’s hockey opener on March 14, 2024. The game, which saw the US team triumph over the Czech Republic with a score of 5-1, served as a backdrop for Vance’s inaugural Olympic appearance.
Vance, in Italy to lead the official US delegation at the opening ceremony, was joined by his wife, Second Lady Usha Vance, Rubio, and billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who is also the US ambassador to Italy and owner of the NBA’s Houston Rockets. The group watched the hockey game from prime seats at center ice, alongside Olympic gold medal-winning sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando.
The atmosphere at the event was largely cordial, a contrast to the heightened diplomatic posture that US officials had anticipated. This cautious approach stemmed from potential protests related to the presence of US immigration enforcement analysts at the Games. Despite these concerns, Vance’s party appeared to be met with more excitement than dissent, largely due to the celebrity appeal surrounding the vice president.
Security was notably tight, with approximately four dozen US Secret Service agents ensuring the safety of the delegation. As Vance navigated through the venue, he found himself the center of attention, with attendees capturing the moment on their phones. The Olympic delegation, which includes organizers preparing for the 2034 Winter Games in Utah, is acutely aware of the Games’ dual role as a sporting event and a global political stage.
Vance and Rubio are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony at the iconic San Siro stadium on March 15, 2024. Olympic officials have expressed hope for a smooth ceremony devoid of political protests. Concerns regarding possible unrest were amplified by reactions from Italian politicians about the presence of US officials at the Games, leading to assurances from Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi that these personnel would not engage in law enforcement activities on Italian soil.
During the hockey match, no national anthems were played before the game, which may have defused potential tension among spectators. Vance arrived midway through the first period, and his presence did not elicit the expected vocal reaction from ticket holders. At one point, he joined fans in chanting “U-S-A! U-S-A!” though most players seemed unaware of the political spectacle unfolding behind them. Veteran forward Hilary Knight later remarked that the athletes did not notice Vance’s arrival, indicating the focus remained squarely on the game.
Earlier in the day, Vance and his wife arrived in Milan, where they were welcomed by American athletes at Malpensa Airport. Dressed in a blue zip-up jacket adorned with a US flag patch, Vance emphasized the unifying power of the Olympics, stating, “The whole country – Democrat, Republican, Independent – we’re all rooting for you.” This statement aimed to reinforce the sentiment of national pride surrounding the Games.
After a series of engagements with athletes, including members of various freestyle skiing teams, Vance and Rubio posed for photographs before heading to Olympic meetings. The day culminated in an electrifying hockey match where the US team’s dominant performance and Vance’s attentive presence blended the realms of sports and politics into a unique Olympic narrative.
As the opening ceremony approaches, the focus will remain on how the Games will unfold amid the backdrop of international diplomacy, with the actions of officials like Vance and Rubio closely watched by both the sporting community and political observers alike.
