President Trump Will Skip Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony

White House cites scheduling conflicts as reason for president's absence.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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President Donald Trump will not attend the closing ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy, according to reports. The White House has cited scheduling conflicts, including two meetings scheduled for Sunday, as the reason for the president's absence. Trump had previously expressed interest in attending the USA vs. Canada men's ice hockey gold medal game, but security planning and Air Force One travel arrangements were reportedly canceled due to an escalating legal dispute tied to tariff policy.

Why it matters

The president's decision to skip the closing ceremony is notable given the geopolitical tensions between the U.S. and Canada, which have escalated during Trump's second term. The ice hockey rivalry between the two countries is fierce, and Trump has frequently taken jabs at Canada, making his absence from the gold medal game potentially significant.

The details

According to reports, the White House has confirmed that President Trump will remain in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, with two scheduled meetings at 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. that conflict with the closing ceremony at the Santa Giulia Arena. Security planning and Air Force One travel had been in place for a potential visit by Trump to attend the USA vs. Canada men's ice hockey gold medal game, but those arrangements were reportedly canceled due to an escalating legal dispute tied to tariff policy.

  • The Winter Olympics opening ceremony took place in Milan-Cortina on February 6, 2026.
  • The men's ice hockey gold medal game between the U.S. and Canada is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2026.
  • The Winter Olympics closing ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, 2026.

The players

President Donald Trump

The 46th President of the United States, who is currently serving his second term in office.

Vice President JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who attended the Winter Olympics opening ceremony alongside his wife and Jake Paul.

Kash Patel

The current Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), who will reportedly be in the stands for the USA vs. Canada men's ice hockey gold medal game.

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What’s next

The men's ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada is scheduled for Saturday, February 22, 2026. FBI Director Kash Patel is expected to be in attendance, as well as a number of celebrities.

The takeaway

President Trump's decision to skip the Winter Olympics closing ceremony highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Canada, particularly in the realm of sports rivalries. The president's absence from the high-profile event, coupled with his frequent criticisms of Canada, could further strain relations between the two countries and raise questions about the role of politics in international sporting events.