Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to attend the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Italy, according to a recent list of attendees. Notably absent from the delegation is former President Donald Trump.
Official Delegation Takes Shape
The composition of the U.S. delegation for the high-profile international sporting event is now becoming clear. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are confirmed to be part of the group traveling to Italy for the festivities. The announcement, made on January 17, 2026, did not include the name of former President Trump, who has been a prominent figure in recent political discourse.
Context and Political Landscape
The news comes amidst a busy period in U.S. politics. Just days earlier, on January 9, 2026, President Donald Trump was photographed alongside Vice President Vance and Secretary Rubio during a meeting with oil executives at the White House. The decision regarding the Olympic delegation appears to be a distinct diplomatic choice, separate from domestic engagements.
While the focus is on the Olympic attendance, the political backdrop remains active. In related news, Trump recently stated that eight European countries would face a 10% tariff for opposing U.S. control of Greenland, highlighting ongoing international trade tensions.
Focus on the Games
The presence of high-ranking U.S. officials like Vance and Rubio underscores the diplomatic importance of the Olympic Games. The opening ceremony is a major global event that brings together nations in a spirit of competition and camaraderie. The specific reasons for the former president's omission from the travel list were not detailed in the initial report.
As the world turns its attention to the athletic competitions in Italy, the makeup of the American delegation signals the current administration's approach to this significant international gathering. The event will proceed with Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Rubio representing the United States on the global stage.
