Milan Cortina Winter Olympics Opening Ceremony
During the opening ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, American athletes were met with an enthusiastic reception from the crowd. However, the atmosphere changed when cameras captured Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance.
Team USA’s Parade
Team USA, led by speedskater Erin Jackson, who carried the flag, was one of the last groups to enter the San Siro stadium on Friday, receiving hearty cheers as they paraded. Yet, as the Vances appeared on the stadium screens, the crowd’s cheers turned into boos and whistles, indicating discontent among some attendees.
International Discontent
This tension reflects a growing disapproval of the U.S. government internationally, particularly due to the foreign policy actions taken under the Trump administration, which have included:
- Imposing tariffs
- Military involvement in Venezuela
- Hostile rhetoric regarding Greenland
Notably, similar jeering occurred when the Israeli team arrived.
Expansive Nature of the Games
In addition to the festivities in Milan, the athlete parades took place simultaneously in three neighboring locations: Cortina d’Ampezzo, Livigno, and Predazzo, highlighting the expansive nature of this year’s Games, which are the most geographically spread Winter Olympics to date.
