JD Vance's Motorcade Chaos Forces Alysa Liu to Scramble at Winter Olympics

JD Vance's motorcade clogged Milan's streets during the Winter Olympics, causing chaos for athletes and staff. Dozens of Chevy Suburbans blocked access roads near the skating venue, delaying arrivals and forcing figure skater Alysa Liu to scramble to make her event. Liu, already running late due to disorganization, narrowly avoided missing her short program after Vance's convoy stalled traffic. She arrived with minutes to spare, rushing into her costume before taking the ice. Her coach confirmed she finished second, giving the U.S. an early lead over Japan.

Vance's convoy, which included multiple aircraft and vehicles, arrived in Milan days earlier, raising eyebrows among locals. Italian media captured footage of a U.S. vehicle nearly colliding with a car bearing Italian plates as the convoy navigated narrow streets. The incident added to growing tensions, as Vance faced backlash for his presence. Spectators booed him during the Parade of Nations, despite IOC guidelines for respect. The controversy intensified after ICE agents were confirmed to be part of Olympic security, sparking protests across Italy.

Milan's mayor condemned ICE's involvement, calling the agency a 'militia that kills' and vowing to keep its agents out of the city. Vance, who has defended ICE in the past, later walked back remarks about the agency's immunity. His attendance at U.S. team events, including a women's hockey match, drew further scrutiny. Meanwhile, a sabotage attack near Bologna disrupted rail lines, causing delays of up to 2.5 hours. Fires, severed cables, and an explosive device forced the shutdown of a key rail route, though services resumed later in the day.

Protesters flooded Milan's streets, decrying the environmental damage of the Games and the U.S. security presence. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a small group near an ice hockey venue, while the larger demonstration remained peaceful. Families, students, and activists gathered to oppose fossil-fuel sponsors and Olympic construction. The chaos underscored the collision between high-profile political figures and the public's growing frustration over the Games' costs and consequences.