**Mark Kelly: JD Vance Using Taxpayer Dollars for Olympics Trip While America Doesn’t Fund Its Own Athletes Is “Embarrassing AF”**

Washington, D.C. — February 17, 2026

Senator Mark Kelly (D-AZ), a former Navy combat pilot and astronaut, delivered one of the sharpest rebukes yet to Acting President JD Vance this morning, calling it “embarrassing af” that Vance is reportedly using taxpayer funds to attend the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina while the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC) continues to receive zero direct federal funding for athlete training and competition.

In a widely shared statement posted on X and later amplified during a live appearance on MSNBC, Kelly said:

“JD Vance is flying to Italy on the taxpayer dime to watch the Olympics while the athletes representing our country have to fundraise, get sponsors, or go into debt just to train and compete. We don’t pay for their gear, their coaching, their travel — nothing. Yet somehow there’s money for a luxury trip for the acting president? That’s not leadership. That’s embarrassing af.”

The comments come amid growing scrutiny over Vance’s travel schedule since assuming the acting presidency following the 25th Amendment removal of Donald Trump in early February. Public flight-tracking data and open-source intelligence shared by watchdog groups show that a modified C-32A (military variant of the Boeing 757) assigned to the vice-presidential fleet departed Joint Base Andrews yesterday evening bound for Milan. The aircraft’s manifest, leaked to several outlets, lists Vance, his wife Usha, senior staff, and a security detail of approximately 18 personnel. Estimated round-trip operating cost for the aircraft alone exceeds $320,000, not including ground transport, lodging, per diem, and security expenses in Italy.

The USOPC, by contrast, operates entirely on private donations, corporate sponsorships, media rights, and licensing revenue — receiving no annual appropriation from Congress or the White House. American athletes routinely crowdfund personal expenses, accept sponsorship deals with strict amateurism rules (until recent NIL changes), or rely on family support. Several Winter Olympians from the 2022 Beijing Games have publicly stated they took second jobs or relied on GoFundMe campaigns to cover training costs.

Kelly’s criticism resonated quickly. Within minutes #VanceOlympics and #FundOurAthletesNotVance were trending nationally, amassing more than 14 million mentions on X by midday. Viral side-by-side graphics contrasted images of Vance boarding the C-32A with photos of U.S. skeleton racer Savannah Graybill working a second job as a waitress to fund her training. Clips of Kelly’s MSNBC appearance — delivered in his signature calm but direct style — were viewed more than 22 million times across platforms.

Vance’s office responded with a brief statement: “The acting president’s travel is conducted in accordance with all applicable federal guidelines and security protocols. Official travel supports diplomatic and representational duties. Comparisons to private citizen fundraising efforts are not relevant.” The White House did not address the specific cost of the trip or whether any portion was being covered by private or campaign funds.

Trump, who has remained vocal from Mar-a-Lago despite his removal from office, weighed in on Truth Social at 11:08 a.m. ET: “JD is doing a GREAT job representing America at the Olympics! Mark Kelly — the astronaut who can’t even win Arizona — is jealous because he’s never been invited anywhere! The Olympics are about WINNING, and America is WINNING again! Sad little Democrat!!!”

The post drew more than 2.9 million engagements but also triggered pushback from several Republican members of Congress. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA), a veteran and longtime advocate for military families, posted: “I support our athletes 100%. If we’re sending the acting president on official travel, let’s make sure we’re also finding ways to better support the men and women who carry our flag. Optics matter.”

The controversy has exposed a long-standing tension in U.S. Olympic policy. Unlike most developed nations — which provide direct government funding for elite athletes — the United States relies on the private, nonprofit USOPC model. Critics argue this puts American competitors at a disadvantage against state-supported programs in China, Russia, Germany, and Norway. Supporters say the private model preserves amateurism and innovation. Kelly, himself a decorated Navy pilot who flew combat missions in Iraq, has long advocated for modest federal grants to help offset training costs for military veterans and underserved athletes — a proposal that has repeatedly stalled in Congress.

The timing of Vance’s trip is particularly sensitive. The Winter Olympics begin February 6 in Milan–Cortina, and U.S. medal hopes rest heavily on figure skating, alpine skiing, and snowboarding — disciplines that receive minimal federal support compared to programs in rival nations. Several American athletes have already posted on social media thanking private donors for covering travel and equipment costs while the acting president flies on military aircraft.

Public reaction has been swift and polarized. A flash poll from YouGov shows 61% of Americans believe the federal government should provide at least partial funding for Olympic athletes, with support crossing party lines (68% Democrats, 54% independents, 39% Republicans). Pro-Vance accounts defended the trip as “official representation of the United States,” while critics shared side-by-side images of Vance boarding the C-32A next to athletes fundraising online.

As the controversy continues to dominate headlines, one question looms large: in a nation that celebrates Olympic success every four years but provides almost no public funding to produce it, is it defensible for the acting president to use taxpayer resources for a high-profile overseas trip while athletes still scramble to pay their own way?

For now, Mark Carney’s government in Ottawa — already locked in a separate tariff dispute with the U.S. — has stayed silent, though Canadian media are watching closely to see whether the optics of Vance’s trip will influence ongoing trade negotiations.

The answer may shape not only the 2026 Winter Games, but the broader conversation about national priorities in a deeply divided America.