US Vice President JD Vance’s Diplomatic and Luxury Visit to Milan
Milan, February 6th – United States Vice President JD Vance concluded a high-profile visit to Milan yesterday, February 5th, marked by extensive security, diplomatic engagements, and a show of support for the US women’s Olympic hockey team. Vance’s visit, which included his wife, Usha, and their children, involved a significant security detail and a crucial meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
Arrival and Security Measures
Vice President Vance and his family arrived at Malpensa Airport yesterday morning on Air Force Two, just thirty minutes after Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Their arrival was met with an elaborate security operation, featuring a motorcade of 45 cars and vans for Vance and 30 for Rubio, accompanied by over 300 security personnel, including uniformed officers and Secret Service agents. This robust security presence underscored the importance of the visit and the need for stringent protection for the US delegation.
Luxury Accommodations and Diplomatic Engagements
Following his arrival, Vance first stopped at the Sheraton Hotel in Gallarate to meet with the US hockey team. Shortly before 1 PM, he proceeded to the luxurious Hotel Gallia, overlooking Milan’s Central Station. The hotel was transformed into a temporary headquarters for the US government, with four floors entirely reserved for the delegation. Vance, his wife Usha, and their children were greeted by Ambassador Bruno Antonio Pasquino, head of the Diplomatic Protocol of the Republic, US Ambassador to Italy Tilman J. Fertitta, and Consul Douglas Benning. Outside the hotel, in Piazza Duca d’Aosta and Piazza 4 Novembre, curious onlookers and commuters, held at a distance by barriers and police, struggled to catch a glimpse of the Vice President, who was enveloped by a cloud of bodyguards.
Support for the US Women’s Hockey Team
In the afternoon, Vance and his family attended the Arena Santa Giulia to witness the US women’s national hockey team’s Olympic debut against the Czech Republic. Dressed in a sports jacket with his name on the chest and the Stars and Stripes on one shoulder, Vance arrived in the VIP box to applause at the end of the first period, just as the American team scored its first goal. With his youngest daughter, Mirabel, in his arms, and his wife and two older children, Ewan and Vivek, by his side, Vance maintained a low profile but cheered enthusiastically, with his children even holding cowbells. Marco Rubio, wearing a sweater with the American flag under his jacket, also joined with his wife, Jeanette Dousdebes Rubio, and daughter Amanda. The evening concluded with a triumphant 5-1 victory for the American athletes, a win perhaps boosted by the personalized jerseys gifted to Vance and his family during their morning meeting in Gallarate.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Discussions
The political highlight of Vance’s Milan trip was his meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, scheduled for 1 PM today at the Prefecture Palace. This meeting, held outside the official Olympic ceremonial events, was anticipated to cover a range of critical topics, including the Middle East conflict, the situation in Ukraine, and the delicate economic relations between the US and Europe. The global attention on Milan underscored the significance of these discussions for international affairs.
Gala Dinner and Protocol Challenges
The day concluded with a gala dinner organized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at the Fabbrica del Vapore, attended by President Sergio Mattarella. Tonight, a grand parade is scheduled at San Siro, with some uncertainty regarding the seating protocol. French President Emmanuel Macron reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with his assigned seat next to JD Vance. To avoid potential diplomatic incidents, Vance might be seated near local officials from Salt Lake City, the host city for a future Winter Olympics.
Future Engagements and Milan’s Readiness
The visit highlighted Milan’s role as a key international hub, capable of hosting high-level diplomatic events alongside major sporting spectacles. The extensive security measures, including six thousand agents and designated red zones, demonstrated the city’s readiness to manage complex logistical and security challenges. The visit also served as a prelude to the upcoming Olympic Games, showcasing Milan’s capacity to welcome global leaders and athletes.
Source: https://milano.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_05/j-d-vance-a-milano-la-giornata-del-vicepresidente-usa-tra-lusso-e-diplomazia-corteo-da-45-auto-czxlk.shtml
