Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Milan on Friday, only hours before the Winter Olympics opening ceremony, using the encounter to underscore continued close ties between the two countries despite recent controversy surrounding U.S. security support at the Games. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also attended the meeting.
After greeting Vance and Rubio at the Milan prefecture, Meloni told reporters, according to Italian news agency ANSA, that their presence offered both a sporting and diplomatic occasion. "They are here for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it is also an opportunity for us to discuss our bilateral relations," she said. Meloni added that "Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant ties," and stressed both governments were working to bolster cooperation across a range of areas and to address international issues currently on the agenda.
Vance echoed that emphasis on partnership. "We love Italy and the Italian people. As you said, we have many excellent relations, many economic connections and partnerships," he said. He also referenced common principles in a sporting context: "In the Olympic spirit, competition is based on rules. It’s good to have shared values, and we will have a very constructive exchange on many topics."
The bilateral talks took place amid a backlash in Italy after reports disclosed that analysts associated with a branch under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would provide support to the U.S. delegation during the Games. That disclosure prompted political criticism and raised concerns that spectators might express disapproval toward U.S. athletes or officials.
Over the past week, hundreds of demonstrators in Milan - including student groups and families - have staged protests highlighting ICE’s record and calling for clearer information about the unit’s role in Italy. Protestors have demanded transparency over what the analysts would do and assurances about their authority while present for the Olympics.
Meloni addressed the uproar during a Thursday night interview with broadcaster Mediaset, characterizing the reaction as "surreal" and emphasizing pre-existing cooperation between Italian authorities and the investigative branch in question. She made a point to clarify limitations on the branch's activities, stating: "It has never carried out, could never carry out, and will never carry out police operations - immigration enforcement or checks - on our territory."
The meeting in Milan served both as a public demonstration of diplomatic continuity and as an occasion for the two sides to reaffirm shared interests, while officials on both sides sought to contain domestic tensions linked to security arrangements around the Olympics.
Key takeaways
- High-level talks between Italy and the United States in Milan sought to emphasize enduring bilateral ties ahead of the Olympics.
- Domestic protests in Milan have focused scrutiny on the reported involvement of analysts linked to a branch of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement at the Games.
- Italian leadership has publicly limited the scope of the U.S. unit’s activities on Italian soil, aiming to reassure citizens and reduce tensions around the event.