Donald Trump is expected to attend the Winter Olympics in Italy following the USA ice hockey team's commanding victory over Slovakia, securing their place in the final. The US will face Canada in the battle for gold after sweeping aside their opponents 6-2.

Trump's attendance is set to trigger heightened security arrangements, with local police preparing for the president's presence at one of the Games' most eagerly awaited events, according to Corriere Della Sera. Trump's trip to Italy was reportedly contingent on the US reaching the final, scheduled for Sunday.

However, it appears to be a brief visit. Reports suggest Trump will travel directly from Air Force One to the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena, attend the closing ceremony later that day, and then depart Italy immediately afterwards.

The IOC has declined to confirm the speculation, with spokesman Mark Adams directing enquiries to the White House. He said: "You wouldn't expect me to comment on the movements of heads of state, and I'm not going to disappoint you.

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"If you have a question on that one, I think you probably have to pose it to the White House. But certainly at this stage, we won't comment on the movements of any head of state."

Trump's expected appearance at the closing ceremony follows Vice President JD Vance being booed at the opening ceremony. Vance, who headed the US delegation, was captured on camera receiving a hostile reception as the US team entered, creating an awkward moment in Italy.

Demonstrations erupted in Milan following confirmation that personnel from ICE, the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency, were participating in American security preparations ahead of the Games.

Following some forthright political remarks from US athletes regarding domestic affairs, Vance responded. He said: "Yes, you're going to have some Olympic athletes who pop off about politics.

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"I feel like that happens every Olympics. My advice to them would be to try to bring the country together, and when you're representing the country, you're representing Democrats and Republicans.

"You're there to play a sport, and you're there to represent your country and hopefully win a medal. You're not there to pop off about politics. ".

Trump, for his part, is accustomed to hostile receptions at sporting occasions. He encountered a negative response whilst attending the men's final at the US Open in New York last year. The fixture was postponed by 30 minutes to allow for enhanced security procedures.

The US president also faced jeers at a Washington Commanders NFL match and was met with boos during an appearance at last year's Club World Cup.