Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, his wife Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio and U.S. Ambassador to Italy and San Marino Tilman Fertitta pose for a photo with Team USA athletes, at the Team USA Welcome Experience, ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
The vice president said he was "amazed by the combination of excellence and hard work" that it takes to become an Olympic athlete, adding that they and their families have made sacrifices so they could represent Team USA.
"I hope you just soak it all in. I hope you win as many medals as possible, but most of all, I just hope you enjoy the experience," Vance said. "The whole country — Democrat, Republican, Independent — we're all rooting for you, and we're cheering for you, and we know you're going to make us proud."
Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance stand by Team USA jackets, as they attend the Team USA Welcome Experience, ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026. (Kevin Lamarque/Pool Photo via AP)
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Several of the athletes are making their Olympic debuts, while others are returning competitors.
The opening ceremony for the Olympics is set to be held on Friday, Feb. 6.
Rachel Wolf is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital and FOX Business.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-rubio-greet-american-winter-olympians-italy