Vice President Vance Joins Influencer Jake Paul for Strategic Olympic Appearance

2026-02-08 general

Milan, Sunday, 8 February 2026.
Bridging political office and the creator economy, Vice President Vance joined boxer Jake Paul for the U.S. women’s hockey 5-0 victory, highlighting a strategic pivot toward engaging alternative media figures.

A Convergence of Politics and New Media

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, the spectator stands at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena became the backdrop for a notable intersection of executive power and the creator economy. U.S. Vice President JD Vance attended the Winter Olympics women’s hockey match between the United States and Finland, seated alongside digital influencer and professional boxer Jake Paul [1][2]. The pair watched as the American team secured a commanding 5-0 victory, moving to a 2-0 record in the preliminary round [1][6]. This appearance marks a continuation of the administration’s strategy to engage with alternative media figures; Paul, a vocal supporter of Donald Trump who attended the College Football Playoff National Championship with the former president last month, commands a massive digital audience that bypasses traditional media gatekeepers [3]. Vance entered the arena during the first intermission with the U.S. leading 1-0, accompanied by his wife Usha and their daughter Mirabel, with Paul joining the group shortly thereafter [2][8].

The Intersection of Politics and Influence

The seating arrangement was far from coincidental, signaling the administration’s recognition of the shifting media landscape where influencers like Paul hold significant sway over younger demographics. Paul is not merely a casual observer at these games; his presence is tied to his fiancée, Jutta Leerdam, a Dutch speedskater and silver medalist who is competing in her second Olympics at the Milan Cortina Games [3][4]. The couple, who announced their engagement in March 2025, represents a powerful merger of sports and digital celebrity [3]. Paul’s appearance in Milan follows a physically taxing period; he reportedly suffered a broken jaw during a fight against Anthony Joshua on December 20, 2025 [6]. Despite the injury, his high-profile association with Vice President Vance underscores the political value placed on the “creator economy” sector he represents.

A Turbulent Olympic Itinerary

Vice President Vance’s schedule in Milan has been a mix of diplomatic support and mixed public receptions. Prior to Saturday’s match, Vance attended the U.S. women’s opener on Thursday, February 5, where the team defeated Czechia 5-1 [2][3]. Based on the scores from the first two games, the U.S. women’s team has achieved a total goal count of 10, dominating their opposition early in the tournament [1][2]. However, the Vice President’s reception has not been universally warm; reports indicate that Vance and his wife faced booing from the crowd during the opening ceremony at San Siro stadium on Friday, February 6 [6]. Balancing these public appearances, Vance also engaged in cultural diplomacy, visiting Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper and holding a private meeting with the U.S. men’s national hockey team at their hotel on Saturday [3].

Team Focus Remains on the Ice

Despite the high-profile spectators in the stands, the U.S. athletes maintained their focus on the ice. U.S. player Taylor Heise noted that the team was unaware of the Vice President’s presence during the game itself, stating, “None of us knew that they were here, actually. Just happy to be playing, and whoever’s there gets to watch the show” [1][2]. The players are, however, familiar with Paul through his relationship with Leerdam, whom they have observed training [1]. Heise mentioned that teammate Abbey Murphy is keen to meet the influencer, highlighting the pervasive reach of social media celebrity even among elite Olympians [2]. The U.S. squad, which includes veteran Hall of Famers like the Lamoureux twins—who were also seated near Vance—continues to demonstrate elite performance regardless of the political optics playing out in the VIP section [2][6].

Sources

Creator Economy Sports Diplomacy