California Governor Gavin Newsom sharply criticized President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance after Vance was booed during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, calling the incident a “total disgrace” that has damaged America’s reputation internationally.
“Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have RUINED America’s reputation on the global stage. We are now BOOED and LAUGHED at by the world! Total disgrace,” Newsom said, responding to the crowd reaction to the U.S. delegation during the ceremony.
Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have RUINED America's reputation on the global stage.
— Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) February 6, 2026
We are now BOOED and LAUGHED at by the world!
Total disgrace. https://t.co/TQxio764yW
Vice President Vance, attending the opening ceremony with his wife, Usha Vance, faced a mixed reception from the audience, including audible boos and whistles, as cameras briefly focused on him. Television commentators described the response as “jeering, some applause,” before the broadcast shifted to other parts of the ceremony.
President Trump, said he was unaware that Vance had been booed and expressed surprise when informed. “I didn’t see. Is that true, is that right?” Trump said to reporters aboard Air Force One. “That’s surprising, ’cause people like him. Well, I mean, he is in a foreign country, you know, in all fairness, but, uh, he doesn’t get booed in this country.”
Reporter: Did you see that the VP Vance got booed at the Olympics?
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 7, 2026
Trump: That’s surprising because people like him. He doesn’t get booed in this country. pic.twitter.com/cmbfm21FNm
The mixed reception for Vance occurred amid protests in Milan against ICE. Hundreds of demonstrators, including student groups and political organizations, staged protests over the past week, warning that the presence of U.S. immigration-linked personnel could provoke hostility toward American athletes and officials.
The incident underscores heightened political tension surrounding the U.S. delegation and illustrates how international audiences are responding to American political figures. Newsom’s comments highlight criticism from some Democrats who argue that Trump and Vance’s actions have eroded the United States’ credibility abroad.
