VP Vance Speaking to U.S. Team in Milan, Reminds Them of What's Truly Important at Winter Olympics

The U.S. delegation to the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, led by Vice President JD Vance and his young family, among other Trump administration officials, has now arrived in Milan, Italy.

VP Vance and his family arriving in Milan today for the Winter Olympics and greeting some of the Team USA athletes pic.twitter.com/B5zwr1Dkne
— Michelle L. Price (@michellelprice) February 5, 2026

As my colleague Susie Moore shared in her Morning Minute column earlier on Thursday:

Vice President JD Vance and his family have landed in Milan, Italy, to attend the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

Here they are at the Team USA Welcome Experience, receiving their credentials to attend events:

.@VP, @SLOTUS and the Second Family arrive to the Team USA Welcome Experience pic.twitter.com/4yO1HZwb0U
— Taylor Van Kirk (@VPPressSec) February 5, 2026

In this bonus clip, you can see more of dad Vance's interaction with his kids, and a little one's fascination with the process:

The Second Family gets their credentials at the Olympics in Milan 💙@VP @SLOTUS pic.twitter.com/iPSof8QPR5
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 5, 2026

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is also part of the group, and he praised the athletes in an X post on Thursday, writing that he's "glad to be with @VP Vance in Milan to meet our @TeamUSA Winter Olympics athletes," adding that he is "proud of your dedication as you represent the best of American excellence. Let's go Team USA."

Vance greeted the U.S. Olympians in brief remarks at the Team USA Welcome spot.

Vice President JD Vance and the Second Family greet Team USA Olympians in Milan, Italy:

"It really brings the country together. Everybody is rooting for you guys and everybody's cheering for you...I'm amazed by the combination of excellence and sacrifice."🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/e95UOfzRcI
— Vice President JD Vance (@VP) February 5, 2026

At a time of roiling political rhetoric and division in the American homeland, the vice president shared a great message about how the Olympics can unite all Americans, even if they aren't sports fans. He began with a cute anecdote about how his wife Usha has always "obsess[ed]" over them watching the Games.

"My wife, our wonderful second lady, is not a sports fan, but every two years she obsessively makes us watch the Olympics." He added that that's been the case "since I started dating her."

Vance explained why he thinks that's been her habit, saying "This is one of the few things that unites the entire country; if you can get a person who's not a big fan of sports"...to be glued to the Games, he said, "then you know it's something special."

VP Vance told the assembled athletes that "everybody's rooting for you guys, everybody's cheering for you," calling this opportunity for him to be there "the highlight of my time as vice president."

He praised the U.S. Olympians, and encouraged them to take in "this moment," which they earned through their excellence and sacrifices - by themselves, their families, and coaches, in the true spirit of the Olympics Games. "I hope you just soak it all in," Vance added.

But he also reminded them that while "winning as many medals as possible" is one obvious goal, something else is truly important. "I just hope you enjoy the experience. The whole country - Democrat, Republican, Independent - we're all cheering for you...and we know you're going to make us proud!" Vance said.

Vance and Rubio didn't waste any time in taking in the sports action, starting with Team USA's women's hockey team completely routing Czechia's squad, as the commentators on the NBC Sports broadcast noted with shoutouts for the two men.

.@VP, the Second Family, and @SecRubio lead the U.S. delegation in Milan, cheering the @TeamUSA women's hockey team to a 5-1 victory over Czechia in the opening round 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/nv2XFWDrVm
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 5, 2026

A great start to the Winter Games. Go, Team USA!

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