The leader of the International Olympic Committee has urged fans to display appropriate behavior during the introduction of American athletes and officials at the opening ceremony on Friday.
When asked about the likelihood of disruptions, IOC President Kirsty Coventry expressed her hope that attendees would view the ceremony as a moment to show mutual respect.
American Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are set to head the U.S. delegation for the event. The ceremony will kick off at 2 PM ET at the renowned San Siro soccer stadium in Milan.
The Olympic festivities are unfolding amid tensions in Europe concerning President Trump’s recent plans related to Greenland, as well as widespread reactions to the fatal attack on two anti-immigrant protesters in Minneapolis last month.
The Department of Homeland Security has confirmed that agents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations will be present in Milan to help ensure security during the convention.
This announcement has sparked anger from Mayor Giuseppe Sala Milano, part of the left-leaning European Green Party, who denounced ICE as a “murderous paramilitary force.” In a local radio discussion on January 27, he stated, “It’s alarming how militia groups operate—there’s a serious need to declare that they’re not welcome in Milan. Can we not, just this once, say ‘no’ to President Trump?”
In an effort to address local concerns, U.S. Ambassador to Italy Tilman Fertitta assured the Italian administration that his team would mainly operate from the U.S. consulate, largely engaging with their own resources.
The upcoming Milan-Cortina Olympics mark the first time Coventry, who became IOC president last year after previously winning seven swimming medals for Zimbabwe, will preside over the games.
At 42, Coventry has yet to meet 79-year-old President Trump before the 2028 Summer Olympics slated for Los Angeles.
