A wave of national pride surged through Milan as Vice President JD Vance extended heartfelt encouragement to the American athletes competing in the Winter Olympics. Standing alongside his wife, Usha Vance, and their three children, he delivered a message resonating far beyond party lines.
“The whole country, Democrat, Republican, independent, we’re all rooting for you,” Vance declared, his words a powerful testament to the unifying spirit of the Games. He expressed deep gratitude for their dedication and wished them joy in their pursuit of excellence.
Vance is leading the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics, but his presence in Milan signifies more than just future planning. He will be joined at Friday’s opening ceremony by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta, marking a significant show of support.
This trip also holds a personal milestone for the Second Family, as Usha Vance made her first public appearance since announcing her pregnancy in January. They are eagerly anticipating the arrival of their fourth child, a son, in July.
A surprising anecdote revealed a charming detail about the Second Lady: despite not being a sports enthusiast herself, she has consistently drawn her husband into the captivating world of the Olympics throughout their relationship. It’s a tradition Vance embraces, recognizing the Games’ unique ability to captivate a nation.
Vance emphasized the Olympics’ remarkable power to unite Americans, even those who don’t typically follow sports. He noted the consistently high viewership, a clear indication of the event’s broad appeal and its capacity to foster a shared sense of national identity.
Joining the delegation are celebrated American Olympians, including speedskater Apolo Ohno, figure skater Evan Lysacek, and the inspiring hockey sisters, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando. Their presence adds another layer of prestige and inspiration to the U.S. contingent.
Vance expressed profound admiration for the athletes’ unwavering commitment, acknowledging the immense sacrifices required to reach the pinnacle of their sports. He called the opportunity to attend the Olympics the “highlight” of his time as Vice President.
Beyond the spectacle of the Games, Vance’s international trip includes planned visits to Armenia and Azerbaijan. This demonstrates a commitment to bolstering the fragile peace agreement brokered last year, ending decades of conflict between the two nations.
Vance’s attendance at the Winter Olympics continues a tradition established by previous administrations. Both Joe Biden and Mike Pence attended the Games during their tenures as Vice President, underscoring the enduring importance of American representation on the world stage.
This year’s delegation stands in contrast to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, where the Biden administration opted for a diplomatic boycott due to human rights concerns, choosing not to send the Vice President or other high-ranking officials.
