Former President Donald Trump reacted to the heckling that his Vice President J.D. Vance received during the opening ceremony of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. When asked by reporters about the incident, Trump expressed surprise at the audience's reaction in the San Siro stadium, asserting that the outburst does not truly reflect the opinions of Americans. He emphasized the popularity of Vice President Vance in the U.S., suggesting that such hostility is not representative of the American public's feelings toward him.

The heckling occurred momentarily as Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, appeared on the stadium's giant screen while waving American flags during the delegation parade. This elicited a stark contrast in public response, as American athletes received an enthusiastic welcome, marked by cheers from the crowd. The disparity in reactions highlighted a significant division between how the U.S. athletes were received and the negative response towards the Vice President during this international sporting event.

Additionally, the opening ceremony was marred by protests throughout the city. This backdrop of political dissent further complicates the narrative surrounding the Olympics and the reception of American political figures abroad, suggesting a troubling sentiment towards Vance amidst the celebration of international athletic achievement.