MILAN — United States Vice President JD Vance cheered on Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina.
Hours after Vance and his family touched down in Milan ahead of Friday’s opening ceremony, the second family attended U.S. women’s hockey’s 5-1 preliminary win over Czechia Thursday evening. Alex Carpenter, Hilary Knight, Hayley Scamurra and Joy Dunne all scored in the rout to kick off Olympic play.
Vance left late in the third period and didn’t speak with the team after the win. Kendall Coyne Schofield said the team wasn’t aware that Vance was in attendance, but Dunne noted that it’s “really great for the women’s ice hockey game.”
“It was an unreal fan base today, really on both sides. You just love to play in that environment,” Dunne said, adding that Vance’s appearance will “only help” the sport grow and gain more visibility.
Vance, dressed in a blue jacket, carried his daughter Mirabel as he and his family found their seats a little more than 10 minutes into the first period. He was accompanied by his wife, Usha, and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and they came right in time for the action. Carpenter scored at the 15:55 mark to give the Americans a 1-0 lead over Czechia as Vance and company applauded.
The U.S. national team received a warm welcome at Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena and multiple “USA” chants broke out throughout the match. Knight said she isn’t concerned about being booed during the Olympics, adding that her and her teammates are “proud Americans” that will continue to lead by example.
“What we stand for and just this team … we are America’s team in the best way through positivity and trying to inspire through sport,” said Knight, a five-time Olympian. “We just hold on to that. Whatever political climate is going on, we’re just trying to have a positive impact through our play and obviously show up and represent our country to the best of our ability. We are proud Americans and there is great unity that we can find through sport together.”
Before taking in the U.S. women’s win over Czechia, Vance met with several U.S. Olympians to wish them well despite any political affiliations.
“The whole country — Democrat, Republican, Independent. We’re all rooting for you and cheering for you and know you are all going to make us proud. Thank you all and hope you guys have fun,” Vance said
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