"There are many stories floating around about Vance’s visit, some of which I can’t confirm from credible sources. But the Daily Mail reports that he and his entourage arrived “on multiple aircraft carrying staff, security personnel, food supplies and vehicles” and that “His ground convoy, made up of dozens of Chevy Suburbans, struggled through Milan’s narrow streets.” Like many others who’ve been there, my first reaction was “He brought food to Milan?” (No grazie, dammi il risotto allo zafferano.)

My second reaction was to ask why he would bring such a massive presence to a city like Milan, snarling traffic on its ancient streets. His enormous fleet of SUVs caused so much congestion that US figure skater Alysa Liu almost missed her first event.

The answer is that JD Vance is being swaddled in a golden blanket of privilege and luxury. After all, perks like these are standard fare for Trump cabinet members. For example, in 2025 the DHS purchased two private jets for use by Kristi Noem, as she lives rent free in a waterfront home that is normally reserved for the Coast Guard Admiral. Kash Patel flew on an official FBI jet to see his girlfriend perform. And Trump received a little gift from the Qataris – a private jet that he intends to have retrofitted at government expense and then keep once he leaves office. Oh, and he’s larded the White House with gold and is trying to build a ballroom that rivals Versailles in scale, though not taste." —Nobel laureate Paul Krugman