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Donald Trump is reportedly planning a brief trip to Milan to attend the men's hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics - if Team USA qualifies.
According to reports, the U.S. president would travel directly from Air Force One to the hockey arena before making an appearance at the closing ceremony. He would then depart Italy the same day without staying overnight or holding formal meetings. Local authorities are said to be preparing security measures in anticipation of the possible visit.
The United States is considered a strong contender for its first gold in the event since 1980, but must first win its quarter and then semi final games to secure a place in Sunday's final.
The potential visit comes after Vice President JD Vance was loudly booed during the opening ceremony in Milan. Vance and his wife, Usha, were jeered when shown on stadium screens as U.S. athletes entered the parade - moments after the athletes themselves had received cheers.
Protests also erupted in Milan following reports that personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) were involved in American security planning for the Games, though the unit involved is separate from domestic immigration enforcement operations.
Team USA athletes speak out against Trump-era policies
Several American athletes have used the Olympic spotlight to criticize policies under Trump's administration, particularly surrounding immigration and civil rights.
Meanwhile, freestyle skier Hunter Hess drew the president's ire after voicing opposition, prompting Trump to respond on Truth Social: "Very hard to root for someone like this."
He also labeled Hess a "real loser" and suggested he should not have "tried out for the team" if he did not want to represent the United States.
Women's hockey player Kelly Pannek, a Minnesota native, criticized ICE raids connected to violent clashes in Minneapolis that resulted in the deaths of Renée Good and Alex Pretti. She said she is most proud to represent Americans "who brave the coldest days to advocate for their beliefs."
Freestyle skier Chris Lillis addressed the political climate during a press conference, saying: "Athletes are hesitant to talk about political views and how we feel about things. I hope that when people look at athletes compete in the Olympics, they realize that that's the America we're trying to represent."
Cross-country skier Jessie Diggins wrote on Instagram that she does "not stand for hate or violence or discrimination" and that she competes for Americans who stand "for love, for acceptance, for compassion, honesty and respect for others."
Meanwhile, Vance responded to the criticism by urging athletes to focus solely on competition. "Yes, you're going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics. I feel like that happens every Olympics," he said.
"My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together, and when you're representing the country, you're representing Democrats and Republicans. You're there to play a sport, and you're there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You're not there to pop off about politics."
He added: "When Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback. But most Olympic athletes, whatever their politics, are doing a great job, certainly enjoy the support of the entire country, and I think recognize that the way to bring the country together is not to show up in a foreign country and attack the President of the United States, but it's to play your sport and to represent the country well."
Former Olympic skiing champion Lindsey Vonn was also asked whether she would visit the White House if invited by Trump.
"I just want to say that every Olympic athlete from Team USA is normally invited," Vonn replied. "It has nothing to do with if you win a medal or not.
"I'm not going to answer that question because, I'm just not going to answer it. I want to keep my passport."
As Team USA continues its pursuit of gold in Milan, Trump's potential appearance adds another political layer to an Olympics already marked by tension between sport and state.