Vance Celebrates Unity with US Delegation at Milan-Cortina Winter Games Arrival
US Vice President JD Vance arrived in Milan on February 5, 2026, to lead the American delegation at the Winter Olympics. He characterized the event as a unifying moment for Americans, as 22 world leaders prepare to attend the Friday opening ceremony.
Vance’s Remarks on Unity
Addressing US athletes, Vance stated that the Winter Games symbolize one of the few activities that bring the nation together. He expressed support for all athletes, saying, “The whole country — Democrat, Republican, independent — we’re all rooting for you.”
Sizeable US Delegation
The American delegation is the largest among competing nations, consisting of various officials and agents. Fourteen aircraft transported members of the delegation to Italy, escorted by local police to their accommodations at the Excelsior Hotel Gallia, near Central Station.
Controversy Over ICE Agents
The presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Italy sparked debates prior to the Games. To address concerns, US Ambassador to Italy, Tilman Fertitta, clarified that the agents are there solely in an advisory capacity focused on transnational crime intelligence.
Notable Attendees at the Opening Ceremony
During Friday’s opening ceremony, Vance will be joined by his wife, Usha Vance, and other prominent figures, including:
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- US Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta
- Former Olympic champions such as Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Apolo Ohno
World Leaders in Attendance
Confirmed attendees include:
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
- The sovereigns of Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden
- Prince Albert of Monaco
- The Grand Duke of Luxembourg
- Emir Al Thani of Qatar
- Queen Suthida of Thailand
- UN Secretary General António Guterres
Preliminary Events Underway
The opening ceremony will officially commence the games following a series of preliminary events. Italy’s mixed doubles curling team, consisting of Stefania Constantini and Amos Mosaner, recently defeated South Korea with a score of 8-4. They will compete against Canada later today.
Additionally, women’s ice hockey matches kicked off, featuring Italy versus France. Training for other sports, including downhill skiing, ski jumping, and luge, is also in progress.
The Olympic Torch Journey
The Olympic torch arrived in Milan on Thursday afternoon, traversing various local landmarks. It will continue through Piazza Duomo and other notable sites before concluding its journey at the Arco della Pace ahead of the grand opening ceremony.
