Vice President JD Vance faced an unexpected and hostile reception while vacationing with his family at the Sugarbush ski resort in Waitsfield, Vermont. The protest came in response to his controversial remarks and actions during a recent Oval Office meeting involving President Donald Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky.
A crowd of demonstrators lined Route 100 near the resort, holding Ukrainian flags and chanting slogans against the vice president. One of the most notable signs read: “Vance is a traitor – go ski in Russia.”
JD Vance Faces Backlash Amid Ukraine Controversy
The public outrage stems from a heated exchange in the White House between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky. The confrontation, which unfolded in front of the press, saw Trump and Vance berating the Ukrainian president.
The display of hostility towards Zelensky shocked many, with critics accusing the Trump administration of undermining a key U.S. ally.
Vance’s comments particularly angered those who support continued aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. The backlash was swift, and his visit to Vermont became a focal point for protest.
Protesters Express Their Discontent
The Vermont protesters made their feelings clear, targeting Vance for his perceived alignment with Russian interests. “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,” said Tekla Van Hoven, a protester from Waterbury. Many demonstrators carried Ukrainian flags and voiced their opposition to Vance’s remarks during the Oval Office meeting.
The Sugarbush ski resort, usually a place of winter recreation and leisure, became a political hotspot as demonstrators gathered to call out Vance’s stance on the Ukraine crisis. While some protesters were focused on the Ukraine issue, others highlighted concerns regarding the Trump administration’s handling of environmental policies.
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Lucy Welch, an employee at Sugarbush, wrote on the resort’s website about the administration’s disregard for environmental conservation and its failure to address climate change. She specifically noted the recent job cuts in national parks and forest services, emphasizing the negative impact on conservation efforts.
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Despite the protests, Vance did not publicly respond to the demonstrators in Vermont. The resort’s management acknowledged the protests but assured that they remained peaceful. John Bleh, a spokesman for Sugarbush, told the Associated Press that while there were a handful of protesters, the situation did not escalate beyond peaceful demonstrations.
Political Fallout and Republican Response
The uproar surrounding Vance’s role in the White House meeting has sparked debates on America’s foreign policy towards Ukraine. The clash between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky signaled a possible shift in U.S. support for Ukraine, causing widespread concern among allies and opponents alike.
Trump’s continued push for an “America First” agenda has led to calls from some Republican lawmakers to end aid to Ukraine, citing financial strain on the U.S. economy.
Despite international criticism, many Republican supporters praised the Oval Office showdown, seeing it as a moment of strength for the Trump administration.
MAGA Republicans in Congress commended Vance’s firm stance against Zelensky, using the controversy as an opportunity to push for a reevaluation of foreign aid policies. Some within the party believe that Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. military and financial support should be reduced, arguing that America’s priorities should focus on domestic concerns.
On the other hand, Democrats and foreign policy experts have expressed alarm at the exchange, warning that such confrontations could weaken alliances and embolden adversaries like Russia. Many see Vance’s behavior as an extension of Trump’s isolationist approach, which they argue could have long-term consequences for global stability.
The protest at Sugarbush serves as a reminder of the deep political divisions in the U.S. regarding its role in global affairs. Vance’s visit, initially intended as a private family vacation, turned into a flashpoint for public dissent. His critics view his actions as a betrayal of American values, while his supporters see them as a necessary move to reassert national priorities.
As the debate continues, the question remains: will the Trump administration’s stance on Ukraine shift further away from support, or will domestic and international pressure force a reevaluation of its policies? One thing is clear—JD Vance’s presence in Vermont was anything but a quiet getaway.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏