The U.S. delegation to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics has arrived in Italy, led by Vice President JD Vance, his young family, and other Trump administration officials. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also part of the group and made sure to show support for the athletes.
“I’m glad to be with @VP Vance in Milan to meet our @TeamUSA Winter Olympics athletes,” Rubio wrote on X. “Proud of your dedication as you represent the best of American excellence. Let’s go Team USA.”
Vance greeted the athletes at the Team USA Welcome spot with brief but meaningful remarks, reminding them—and the country—what the Olympics are really about during a time of nonstop political noise back home.
He opened with a lighthearted story about his wife, Usha, and her love of the Games.
“My wife, our wonderful second lady, is not a sports fan, but every two years she obsessively makes us watch the Olympics,” Vance said, noting that this tradition has continued since they started dating.
Vance explained why he thinks that is. “This is one of the few things that unites the entire country,” he said. If even someone who doesn’t care about sports can be glued to the Olympics, “then you know it’s something special.”
He told the athletes that the entire nation is behind them. “Everybody’s rooting for you guys, everybody’s cheering for you,” Vance said, calling the moment “the highlight of my time as vice president.”
The vice president praised the Olympians for earning this opportunity through years of sacrifice, not just their own, but also from their families and coaches. He urged them to truly take in the experience.
“I hope you just soak it all in,” Vance said.
While winning medals is an obvious goal, Vance reminded them there is something bigger at stake.
“I just hope you enjoy the experience. The whole country—Democrat, Republican, Independent—we’re all cheering for you,” he said. “And we know you’re going to make us proud.”
Vance and Rubio didn’t just talk the talk—they immediately jumped into Olympic action by attending Team USA’s women’s hockey game, where the Americans crushed Czechia. NBC Sports even gave them on-air shoutouts during the broadcast.
In a divided time, Vance’s message was simple and powerful: the Olympics still bring Americans together. And with Team USA already winning and the country united behind them, it’s clear the red, white, and blue is off to a strong start.
