Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Milan on Friday (February 6), hours before the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics, using the encounter to reaffirm the strength of U.S.–Italian ties despite tensions around the presence of U.S. security personnel at the Games.

The meeting was also attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

"They are here for the opening ceremony of the Olympics, but it is also an opportunity for us to discuss our bilateral relations," Meloni said after welcoming the two U.S. leaders at the Milan prefecture, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

"Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant ties," she added stressing that the two governments were working to strengthen cooperation across multiple fronts and address ongoing international issues.

Her words were echoed by Vance.

"We love Italy and the Italian people. As you said, we have many excellent relations, many economic connections and partnerships," he said.

Their talks come amid a backlash in Italy following the disclosure that analysts linked to a branch under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) would support the U.S. delegation during the Games.

The news triggered political criticism and concerns that spectators might boo U.S. athletes or officials.

Over the past week, hundreds of demonstrators — including student groups and families — have staged protests across Milan highlighting ICE’s record and demanding clarity on its role in Italy.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni meets U.S. Vice President JD Vance in Milan before the 2026 Winter Olympics opening ceremony

VIDEO SHOWS: ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI MEETING U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE IN MILAN'S PALAZZO DIOTTI, THE OFFICE OF THE PREFECTURE OF MILAN

RESENDING WITH COMPLETE SCRIPT

SHOWS: MILAN, ITALY (FEBRUARY 6, 2026) (GOVERNMENT TV - Access all)

1. CAR CARRYING U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE ARRIVING

2. ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI AND ITALIAN FOREIGN MINISTER ANTONIO TAJANI LOOKING ON

3. VANCE GREETING MELONI AND TAJANI

4. VARIOUS OF MELONI AND VANCE WALKING

5. MELONI AND VANCE POSING FOR PHOTOGRAPHS / SHAKING HANDS

6. VANCE LOOKING ON

7. (SOUNDBITE) (Italian) ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI SAYING (CONTINUES ON USA SECRETARY OF STATE, MARCO RUBIO, LOOKING ON):

''I welcome the Vice President of the United States of America, JD Vance, and the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, who are here, of course, for the Olympic opening ceremony, but it is also naturally an opportunity for us to engage on our bilateral issues. Italy and the United States have always maintained very significant relations, and we are working on many bilateral matters aimed at strengthening our cooperation, as well as on the many international dossiers currently open.''

8. VANCE LOOKING ON

9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) ITALIAN PRIME MINISTER GIORGIA MELONI SAYING TO JD VANCE:

''I know you didn't know what I was talking about. I said nothing, nothing particular. I was saying that I'm happy to have you here, to have the occasion to talk about our wonderful bilateral relation(s), but also about many international topics which are open. And I was reminding (them) that the last time I saw you in Rome, it was for the new pope. And today we meet again for the Olympic Games. It is two events that tell about values that keep together Italy and the US, Europe and the US, the Western civilization, and it is mainly the reason why we like to work together.''

10. VANCE SHAKING HANDS WITH U.S. AMBASSADOR TO ITALY, TILMAN FERTITTA

11. VANCE LOOKING ON

12. (SOUNDBITE) (English) U.S. VICE PRESIDENT JD VANCE SAYING (CONTINUES ON FERTITTA LOOKING ON):

''Okay, well, Prime Minister Meloni, it's so good to see you and your team, and great to be back in your beautiful country. We love Italy. We love the Italian people. And as you said, we have a lot of great relationships. We have a lot of great economic connections and partnerships. And I think it's, you guys have done an amazing job with the Olympic Games. The city looks beautiful. My wife and I have been excited to attend the Olympics in Milan for pretty much since I became vice president. We've talked about this and wanting to do this. And so very glad that it worked out. I'm very glad that you guys have done such a good job. So in the spirit of the Olympics, friendship, competition, competition based on rules, and just coming together around shared values, we're very, very thrilled to be here and we'll have a great conversation about a number of topics. So thank you all.''

13. MELONI AND VANCE DURING MEETING

14. MELONI LOOKING ON

15. MELONI AND VANCE DURING MEETING