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In a striking juxtaposition, U.S. Vice President JD Vance was seen cheering alongside YouTube sensation Jake Paul as they watched the American women’s hockey team triumph over Finland with an impressive 5-0 scoreline at the Winter Olympics on Saturday. Their presence, however, elicited a mixed response from the crowd, reflecting the divisive political climate back home.
A Family Affair at the Arena
Vance, accompanied by his family, arrived during the first intermission, with the U.S. leading 1-0. The Vice President was spotted cradling his youngest daughter, Mirabel, while his wife, Usha Vance, donned a sweatshirt emblazoned with “USA.” As the second period approached, Usha participated enthusiastically, clapping along to Queen’s iconic anthem “We Will Rock You.”
The atmosphere surged with excitement as the U.S. women’s team scored, prompting both Vance and Paul to rise in celebration. Jake Paul, who has voiced strong support for the Trump administration and attended the former president’s second inauguration alongside his brother, joined the Vance family shortly after their arrival, adding a touch of star power to the occasion.
Notable Attendees and Past Performances
Seated nearby were other prominent figures, including Olympic champion Evan Lysacek and the Lamoureux sisters, Jocelyne and Monique, who contributed to the U.S. gold medal victory at the 2018 Winter Games. This marked the second game Vance attended during the Milan Cortina Olympics, having previously watched the U.S. defeat Czechia 5-1 in their opening match.
While the Vice President’s enthusiasm for the game was evident, the crowd’s reaction at the event was less than favourable.
Polarised Reception at the Opening Ceremony
The Vice President’s earlier appearance at the Winter Olympics opening ceremony drew significant attention for the wrong reasons. As his image was projected onto the stadium screens, the audience responded with a chorus of boos, contrasting sharply with the cheers for Team USA athletes. Commentators noted the stark reception, highlighting the palpable discontent among spectators.
Flo Clifford from The Independent reported on the atmosphere inside San Siro stadium, where the American contingent received a generally warm welcome, but the reaction to Vance and his wife was decidedly negative. The booing underscores the growing discontent with the current administration, particularly in international settings where U.S. leadership is scrutinised.
Why it Matters
The contrasting responses to JD Vance’s presence at the Winter Olympics illustrate the ongoing fracture in American public opinion, particularly as it pertains to political figures associated with the Trump administration. As the U.S. grapples with a complex global landscape marked by shifting alliances and a fraught domestic atmosphere, events like these serve as a barometer of public sentiment. The reactions at such a high-profile event emphasise the challenges faced by leaders in fostering unity and support, both at home and abroad.
