by InTrieste
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics enter their final days, Italian authorities are quietly preparing for a possibility that depends on events still unfolding on the ice: a brief visit by President Donald Trump if the United States men’s hockey team advances to the gold-medal game on Sunday.
According to Italian officials familiar with preliminary planning, security services in Milan have begun outlining contingency measures that would be activated should the American team reach the final at the Santa Giulia arena. The preparations reflect both the logistical demands of a presidential visit and the heightened political sensitivities that have accompanied the American presence at these Games.
A Short, Highly Controlled Visit
Officials say the prospective trip would be tightly choreographed. After landing, the president would be expected to travel directly to the hockey venue, remain for the duration of the match and then depart for the closing ceremony, scheduled at the historic Arena di Verona. No broader public program — such as meetings, official dinners or sightseeing — is anticipated.
The plans remain conditional. At the time of writing, the United States must still win two knockout games to reach Sunday’s final.
Security Planning Already Underway
Milan’s prefettura and questura — the city’s senior civil and police authorities — have begun preliminary coordination with national agencies, as per latest local news. The effort builds on recent security operations for earlier American visits, including those by Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
A presidential visit would significantly expand the scale of security measures, potentially affecting transport routes, airspace restrictions and public access near Olympic venues.
A Politically Charged Olympic Backdrop
The United States’ presence at these Winter Games has drawn unusual political attention from the outset. Shortly after the opening ceremony, Mr. Vance’s appearance on stadium screens during a public event drew audible boos from spectators, reflecting broader tensions between Washington and European governments.
Local debate also intensified following reports that American federal security personnel, including agents linked to immigration enforcement, would be stationed at the U.S. Consulate to support Olympic operations. Milan’s mayor, Giuseppe Sala, publicly criticized the move, contributing to protests in the city.
Hockey at the Center of Attention
Ice hockey has emerged as one of the most closely watched competitions of these Games, particularly with National Hockey League players returning to Olympic participation after a long absence.
Mr. Trump’s public interest in the sport has been evident throughout the Olympics. His administration announced a high-profile delegation for the closing ceremony led by Education Secretary Linda McMahon and including former Olympic players and diplomatic officials.
The Games have also seen political tensions intersect with athletic voices. American freestyle skier Hunter Hess drew national attention after commenting on domestic political divisions, remarks that were later defended by snowboard champion Chloe Kim.
Waiting on the Result
For now, the possibility of a presidential visit remains uncertain and entirely dependent on the outcome of the remaining tournament rounds.
Italian authorities continue to monitor developments, ready to activate plans if needed. Until then, the question of whether a U.S. president will appear in the stands — and the political symbolism such a moment would carry — rests on a simpler variable: whether the American team can win its way to Sunday’s final.
