On Saturday, crowds gathered in Waitsfield, Vermont, protesting Vice President JD Vance following a contentious Oval Office meeting about Ukraine. The demonstrations coincided with Vance's planned family vacation at a local ski resort, drawing hundreds of activists who voiced their dissent. Many protesters proudly displayed signs supporting Ukraine, while others highlighted issues related to Palestinian rights and immigration.
The protests were organized days in advance but gained momentum after a heated exchange in the Oval Office the previous day. During this meeting, Vice President Vance criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for disputing President Donald Trump's claims regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin's trustworthiness. The friction in their dialogue spurred more demonstrators to hit the streets, particularly along Route 100, which runs through Waitsfield.
“Ski Russia because JD Vance has no friends in Vermont, but he’s got lots of friends in Russia, so he should go there for vacation,” remarked Tekla Van Hoven of Waterbury in an interview with WCAX-TV, showcasing the sentiments of many protesters who felt strongly about the Vice President’s remarks.
Vance and his family arrived in Vermont ahead of the weekend, intending to enjoy skiing at Sugarbush Resort in Warren. Although a few protesters made their way to the resort, the atmosphere remained peaceful throughout the day. Resort spokesperson John Bleh confirmed, “There were a handful of protestors at the resort throughout the day, but all were peaceful and none were disruptive.” He opted not to provide further comments, directing inquiries to the White House.
In light of the protests, Republican Governor Phil Scott issued a statement welcoming Vice President Vance and his family to Vermont. He urged residents to show respect despite any political disagreements. “I hope Vermonters remember the vice president is here on a family trip with his young children and, while we may not always agree, we should be respectful,” Scott stated.
Interestingly, a smaller group of supporters of Vance and President Trump also organized a “welcome rally,” reflecting the divided opinions within the community regarding the Vice President’s visit and the ongoing political issues surrounding Ukraine.
The protests against Vice President JD Vance in Vermont reflect broader national sentiments regarding the conflict in Ukraine and the political climate surrounding it. As the Vice President enjoys a family vacation amidst these tensions, it is clear that the political divide remains pronounced, with both supporters and detractors voicing their opinions in the picturesque setting of Vermont.
