VP Vance Celebrates U.S. Athletes at Winter Olympics

Vance leads U.S. delegation to Milan Cortina Games, plans stops in Armenia and Azerbaijan

Feb. 5, 2026 at 6:23pm

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U.S. Vice President JD Vance arrived in Milan on Thursday to support American athletes competing in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Vance told the U.S. team that the Olympics 'is one of the few things that unites the entire country' before watching the U.S. women's hockey team defeat the Czech Republic. After the opening ceremony, Vance will lead a U.S. delegation that includes his wife, the Secretary of State, and former Olympic gold medalists. Following the Games, Vance plans to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan to build on a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration.

Why it matters

The Olympics are seen as one of the few events that can bring Americans together across political divides. Vance's attendance and support for the U.S. team underscores the administration's efforts to project unity and bipartisanship. His subsequent trip to Armenia and Azerbaijan also highlights the administration's foreign policy priorities in the region as Russia's influence declines.

The details

Vance told U.S. athletes that 'the whole country - Democrat, Republican, independent - we're all rooting for you and we're cheering for you.' The vice president's delegation to the opening ceremony will include his wife, the Secretary of State, and former Olympic gold medalists. After the Games, Vance will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan to build on a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration, which aims to end four decades of conflict between the two countries.

  • Vance arrived in Milan with his family on Thursday, February 5, 2026.
  • The opening ceremony for the Milan Cortina Winter Games is on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Vance will travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan after the Olympics.

The players

JD Vance

The current U.S. Vice President, leading the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Usha Vance

The Second Lady of the United States, and the wife of Vice President JD Vance.

Marco Rubio

The current U.S. Secretary of State, part of the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Tilman Fertitta

The U.S. Ambassador to Italy, part of the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando

Former Olympic gold medalist hockey players, part of the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Apolo Ohno

Former Olympic gold medalist speedskater, part of the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Evan Lysacek

Former Olympic gold medalist figure skater, part of the U.S. delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics.

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What they’re saying

“The whole country — Democrat, Republican, independent — we're all rooting for you and we're cheering for you.”

— JD Vance, U.S. Vice President

“The Olympics really brings the country together. Everybody is rooting for you guys and everybody's cheering for you.”

— JD Vance, U.S. Vice President

What’s next

After the Olympics, Vice President Vance plans to travel to Armenia and Azerbaijan to build on a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration aimed at ending four decades of conflict between the two countries.

The takeaway

The Vice President's attendance and support for the U.S. Olympic team underscores the administration's efforts to project unity and bipartisanship, while his subsequent diplomatic trip to the Caucasus region highlights the administration's foreign policy priorities as Russia's influence in the region declines.