Trump Defends VP Vance After Boos at Winter Olympics

President claims Vance "doesn't get booed in this country" despite past incidents.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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Vice President JD Vance was met with loud boos and jeers from the crowd at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy, drawing a swift response from President Donald Trump, who insisted Vance 'doesn't get booed in this country.' However, fact-checkers pointed out that Vance has in fact been booed at several events in the US.

Why it matters

The incident adds to ongoing scrutiny of Vance's public image abroad, where his hard-line positions on immigration and culture issues are often unpopular. As a key figure in Trump's political coalition, the boos could be seen as a reflection of the administration's unpopularity in Europe.

The details

When stadium cameras showed Vance and his wife Usha on the big screen at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, the crowd's reaction was immediate and unmistakable, with boos echoing throughout the venue. Some coverage linked the hostile reception to ongoing protests and criticism of the Trump administration's immigration and ICE policies. Reporters asked Trump about the incident, and he expressed surprise, claiming Vance "doesn't get booed in this country." However, fact-checkers noted Vance has been booed at several events in the US, including a firefighters' union gathering, a trip to Vermont, and appearances in Washington, DC.

  • The incident occurred on Friday, February 7, 2026 at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States who defended Vice President JD Vance after he was booed at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony.

JD Vance

The Vice President of the United States who was booed by the crowd at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony in Milan, Italy.

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What they’re saying

“That's surprising because people like him. ... He doesn't get booed in this country.”

— Donald Trump, President of the United States

What’s next

The incident is likely to continue generating discussion around Vance's public image and the Trump administration's popularity abroad.

The takeaway

This episode highlights the ongoing political tensions and scrutiny surrounding the Trump administration, particularly when it comes to issues like immigration that have drawn criticism internationally. It also underscores the challenges Vice President Vance faces in projecting a positive image on the global stage.