Protests Erupt Near Vermont Ski Resort Ahead of JD Vance Family Vacation
Crowds of protesters gathered near a Vermont ski resort on Saturday, targeting Vice President JD Vance, who had planned a weekend getaway with his family. The demonstrations, which had been organized in advance, gained momentum after a tense exchange the day before between Vance, President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over the ongoing Ukraine conflict.
Protesters Rally Around Vermont’s Route 100
Hundreds of demonstrators lined the roadways around Sugarbush Resort in Warren, where Vance and his family were set to ski. Protesters held signs in support of Ukraine, while others rallied against the war, waving Palestinian flags and showing solidarity with immigrant rights. Demonstrations took place on both sides of Route 100 in Waitsfield and surrounding areas.
The protests were largely fueled by a heated Oval Office confrontation the previous day. During the meeting, Vance criticized Zelenskyy for challenging Trump’s claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be trusted. The confrontation added to the tension and sparked even more protesters to show up.
Tekla Van Hoven, a Waterbury resident, voiced her discontent to local media, saying, “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.”
Vance’s Family Ski Trip
Despite the protests, Vance and his family arrived in Vermont as planned. They were expected to enjoy a quiet weekend at Sugarbush Resort, a popular ski destination. However, their trip was met with small but persistent demonstrations, some of which made their way to the resort itself.
John Bleh, a spokesman for Sugarbush Resort, confirmed that a handful of protesters appeared at the resort on Saturday, though he emphasized that the protests were peaceful and non-disruptive. “There were a handful of protesters at the resort throughout the day, but all were peaceful and none were disruptive,” Bleh wrote in an email. He declined to comment further and referred media inquiries to the White House.
State Officials Weigh In
The protests occurred against the backdrop of heated political divisions. Republican Governor Phil Scott of Vermont issued a statement welcoming Vance and his family to the state. Scott urged Vermonters to extend kindness to the vice president and his family, despite their political differences.
“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 said.
A Mixed Response
In addition to the anti-war protests, a smaller group of Vance supporters, including those who backed Trump’s stance on Ukraine, held a “welcome rally” for the vice president. The mix of support and protest underscored the polarized views surrounding Vance’s political positions, particularly on foreign policy.
While the protests outside the resort were peaceful, tensions remain high in Vermont and beyond, reflecting broader national debates over U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing war in Ukraine. The situation highlights the deep political divides that continue to shape public discourse and action across the country.
