Vice President JD Vance Enjoys Family Time at Winter Olympics with Jake Paul
A Star-Studded Appearance at the Hockey Game
Vice President JD Vance made his second appearance at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy, this time bringing along some star power in the form of social media influencer and professional boxer Jake Paul. The pair settled in to watch Team USA’s women’s hockey squad deliver an impressive 5-0 shutout victory against Finland on Saturday. The vice president arrived with his family during the intermission following the first period, at which point the American team was already ahead 1-0. Paul made his entrance shortly afterward, likely taking a break from supporting his fiancée, Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam, who is competing in her own events at the Games.
The scene painted a picture of modern American diplomacy meeting contemporary pop culture – a sitting vice president sharing a sporting event with one of the internet’s most polarizing personalities. It’s the kind of moment that reflects how the lines between traditional politics, entertainment, and sports continue to blur in today’s media landscape. For Vance, these Olympic appearances represent both official duties and an opportunity to enjoy quality time with his family on the international stage, all while showing support for American athletes competing at the highest level.
A Family Affair in the Stands
The Vance family’s presence at the hockey match was unmistakably American and warmly familial. Vice President Vance held his youngest daughter, Mirabel, on his lap throughout much of the game, creating a tender image that humanized the often-formal role of the vice presidency. His wife, Usha Vance, showed her patriotic spirit by wearing a sweatshirt emblazoned with “USA” in large, bold letters – the kind of outfit you’d see on any proud American parent at a youth sports event, just scaled up to the Olympic stage.
As the arena speakers blasted Queen’s classic anthem “We Will Rock You” before the second period, Usha could be seen clapping along to the beat, fully engaged in the electric atmosphere that only Olympic hockey can generate. It’s these unscripted moments that remind us that even those in the highest offices of government are, at their core, people who enjoy the simple pleasures of cheering for their country and spending time with their loved ones. The vice president and his wife weren’t just observers; they were active participants in the experience, jumping to their feet when Team USA scored and celebrating along with the rest of the American supporters in attendance.
Surrounded by Olympic Royalty
The Vances weren’t the only notable Americans in their section of the Milano arena. They were seated near some true legends of U.S. Olympic history, adding even more star power to an already celebrity-filled section. Among those nearby was Evan Lysacek, who captured the figure skating gold medal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, bringing home one of the most prestigious titles in winter sports. His presence served as a reminder of past American triumphs and the continuing tradition of Olympic excellence.
Also in attendance were twin sisters Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, both Hall of Fame hockey players who know exactly what the current team is experiencing. These legends were instrumental members of the U.S. women’s hockey team that claimed gold at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in one of the most dramatic finals in Olympic history. Having such accomplished athletes nearby must have added to the significance of the moment, bridging past glory with present ambition. For the Vances, being surrounded by such Olympic royalty undoubtedly enriched the experience and provided living proof of what American dedication and athletic excellence can achieve.
The Vice President’s Growing Olympic Presence
This wasn’t Vice President Vance’s first rodeo at the Milano Cortina Games – in fact, it was his second appearance watching the U.S. women’s hockey team in action. Just two days earlier, on Thursday, Vance had been present at the same Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena when Team USA kicked off their preliminary round with a commanding 5-1 victory over Czechia. His return visit demonstrated more than just casual interest; it showed a genuine commitment to supporting these athletes and a personal investment in their Olympic journey.
The vice president’s repeated appearances at the women’s hockey matches send an important message about the value his administration places on women’s sports and Olympic competition. At a time when women’s athletics continues to fight for equal recognition and resources, having a high-ranking government official show up not once but twice to cheer them on carries symbolic weight. It’s the kind of visible support that athletes notice and appreciate, knowing that their efforts are being witnessed and valued at the highest levels of American government. For Vance, these visits likely represent both official diplomatic duties – as representing the United States at an international sporting event – and personal enjoyment of world-class athletic competition.
The Jake Paul Factor
Jake Paul’s presence at the game added an interesting dimension to the event, representing the intersection of traditional politics and new media influence. The controversial YouTuber-turned-boxer has built an empire on social media and in the boxing ring, accumulating millions of followers and generating both admiration and criticism in equal measure. His attendance alongside the vice president might have raised eyebrows in some circles, but it also reflects the reality of modern American culture, where influencers wield considerable power and reach, particularly among younger demographics.
Paul’s personal connection to the Olympics through his fiancée, Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam, gave him a legitimate reason to be at the Games beyond mere celebrity appearance. Leerdam is a world-class athlete in her own right, competing at the highest level of speedskating for the Netherlands. The couple’s presence at various Olympic events has been documented throughout the Games, showing support for both Dutch and American athletes. Whether intentional or not, the image of Paul sitting with the U.S. vice president creates a fascinating tableau of contemporary American life – traditional political power meeting new-age digital influence, all united in support of athletic excellence.
Team USA’s Dominant Performance
While the celebrity presence in the stands generated buzz, the real story was happening on the ice, where the U.S. women’s hockey team delivered a clinic in Olympic competition. Their 5-0 dismantling of Finland showcased the depth, skill, and determination that has made American women’s hockey a perennial powerhouse. The goals that brought Vance and his wife to their feet were part of a comprehensive performance that sent a clear message to the rest of the competition: Team USA is here to contend for gold.
The American women’s hockey program has built a remarkable legacy at the Winter Olympics, consistently battling with Canada for supremacy in the sport. With performances like this one against Finland, and their earlier victory over Czechia, the current squad is writing the latest chapter in that storied history. For everyone in attendance – from the vice president to Olympic legends to social media stars to regular fans – they witnessed American athletes performing at their absolute best on the world’s biggest stage. These are the moments that make the Olympics special: when national pride, athletic excellence, and shared experience come together in a way that transcends politics, celebrity, and everything else, reminding us of what we can achieve when we pursue excellence together.
