JD Vance Criticized by Protesters During Vermont Ski Trip Amid Zelenskyy Clash
Vice President JD Vance found himself at the center of protests on his family vacation to Sugarbush Resort in Waitsfield, Vermont, on Saturday. The protests were organized in response to an explosive Oval Office confrontation between Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Protests and Reactions
Protesters gathered along the main thoroughfare in Waitsfield, holding signs with messages like:
- “Vance is a traitor, go ski in Russia”
- “Trump serves Putin”
- “Vance disgraces our country”
A smaller group of protesters also gathered at Sugarbush Resort, where Vance was vacationing with his family. Despite the presence of protesters, the resort reported that the day went largely smoothly, with John Bleh, a public relations manager, noting that protests were peaceful and not disruptive.
Background of the Protest
The demonstration was organized by the Mad River Valley chapter of the Indivisible group to protest the “destructive and illegal actions” of the Trump/Vance administration, specifically criticizing their treatment of Zelenskyy. Many protest signs expressed strong support for Ukraine and dissatisfaction with the U.S. administration’s stance on the ongoing war.
The Oval Office Clash
The protest followed an intense verbal confrontation between Zelenskyy, Trump, and Vance at the White House on Friday. The meeting grew heated when Trump and Vance accused Zelenskyy of not appreciating the U.S. support for Ukraine. The tension reached a peak when Trump warned Zelenskyy he was “gambling with World War III” by not reaching a peace deal soon.
Vermont Governor’s Statement
Ahead of Vance’s visit, Vermont Governor Phil Scott issued a statement encouraging respect for the vice president’s family trip, urging Vermonters to welcome them despite political differences.
Vance’s office did not provide a comment in response to the protests at the time of writing.
