MILANO/CORTINA D’AMPEZZO: Israel’s Olympic delegation received a smattering of boos during the opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics on Friday, while US Vice President JD Vance faced a similar chilly reception amid otherwise festive celebrations.
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The four-person Israeli team, waving their national flag, entered San Siro stadium during the parade of nations. The boos were quickly overshadowed by the loud opening ceremony soundtrack. Meanwhile, cheers for the large US delegation turned to boos when Vance appeared on the stadium’s big screen.
REPORTER: “The vice president got booed during the opening ceremony. What do you make of that frosty reception?”
PRESIDENT TRUMP: “That’s surprising because people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, you know, in all fairness. He doesn’t get booed in this… pic.twitter.com/3P5kkkKA41
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 7, 2026
The reaction to Vance was largely anticipated, as political unrest in the United States—particularly over federal immigration enforcement—has spilled into Italy and fueled protests. Analysts connected to a branch under US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were reported to be supporting the US delegation, as is customary at previous Games.
Hundreds of protesters gathered in Milan on Friday for an “ICE OUT” demonstration, while other Olympic venues in Cortina d’Ampezzo and Predazzo offered mixed receptions. The US team was cheered in Cortina, and Israel’s athletes received some positive responses. However, in Predazzo, Israeli athletes faced additional boos.
Israeli competitors said they were prepared for a potentially hostile reception following the conflict in Gaza, where nearly 560 people have died since the October truce, according to Gaza health officials.
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“I’m prepared, they can do whatever they want,” Israeli skier Barnabas Szollos said. “I just want to have a good race, fun race and do the best I can.”
Despite the tense political backdrop, the Games proceeded with celebrations emphasizing global sportsmanship and competition, with athletes focused on their performances rather than the reactions of the crowd.