Vice President JD Vance’s visit to Sugarbush Resort in Vermont was dramatically disrupted by protesters following a contentious White House meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Fox News reported that just one day after a heated discussion with Zelenskyy over a failed mineral rights agreement, Vance encountered vocal opposition during his family trip.
The protest in Vermont unfolded on Saturday, where hundreds of demonstrators voiced their displeasure with Vance’s recent political stance. This comes less than 24 hours after his sharp exchange with President Zelenskyy, manifesting a significant pushback from rabid leftists.
The main grievances of the protesters centered on accusations against Vance, labeling him variously as “Nazi scum” and a “traitor.”
There were also calls for him to “go ski in Russia,” signifying deep discontent with his actions and rhetoric towards Ukraine.
In addition to vocal accusations, protesters wielded signs with messages like “Trump serves Putin,” “Theocracy is not freedom,” and “Stand with Ukraine.” These sentiments highlight the broader geopolitical controversies surrounding Vance’s recent political maneuvers and the administration’s foreign policy.
While the protests were loud and clear, not every local attendee shared the demonstrators’ sentiments. A local skier expressed frustration with the presence of the protesters, not the Vice President, questioning their understanding of the complex issues at stake.
Vance’s visit to the resort was initially planned as a peaceful family getaway, but the political backlash prompted a swift change in plans. The Vances were set to stay at a nearby four-star inn, but moved to an undisclosed location due to anticipated protests.
The root of the protest can be traced back to a tense meeting at the White House the day before. President Zelenskyy and Vice President Vance clashed over a mineral rights deal, which was deemed crucial by former President Trump for achieving peace in the region.
Vance did not mince words in the Oval Office. He criticized Zelenskyy for pressing conscripts into service at the front lines and accused him of ingratitude towards the efforts of the U.S. to assist Ukraine in resolving its conflict.
Doubling down, Vance reminded Zelenskyy of his obligation to express gratitude to America and its leaders for their continued diplomatic and military support. This confrontation was not only about policy but also about diplomatic decorum and the interplay of international relations.
The Vice President’s remarks at the White House were particularly striking. “Mr. President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media,” Vance said to Zelenskyy. He highlighted the difficult position Ukraine was in due to manpower issues and the pressured recruitment of conscripts.
His pointed commentary didn't stop at logistical criticisms. Vance also brought up Zelenskyy’s involvement in U.S. politics, mentioning his campaigning against American political figures, which further strained diplomatic relations.
“You went to Pennsylvania and campaigned for the opposition in October. Offer some words of appreciation for the United States of America and the president who's trying to save your country,” he added.
Support for Vance’s perspective also came from then-President Donald Trump, who bluntly stated during the meeting that Ukraine was “in trouble” without the U.S. support, reinforcing the stakes involved in the fraught dialogue between the two nations.
Despite the outcry, security measures ensured that the Vice President’s visit went ahead without confrontation. But the voices of protestors resonated strongly, highlighting the charged atmosphere that the Vice President had stepped into, far away from the calm ski slopes initially sought by his family.