Protesters gathered near a Vermont ski resort where Vice President JD Vance planned a weekend vacation with his family. The demonstrations, which took place the day after a heated Oval Office exchange over Ukraine, drew hundreds of people showing support for various causes.
Many demonstrators held signs in solidarity with Ukraine, while others waved Palestinian flags or advocated for immigrant rights. The protests occurred at multiple locations in the area, including along Route 100 in Waitsfield.
The energy of the demonstrations was fueled by Vance's confrontation with President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Vance criticized Zelenskyy for questioning Trump's trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Despite the planned protests, the scene was peaceful, with no disruptions reported. A small group of protesters also gathered at the Sugarbush Resort in Warren, where Vance and his family intended to ski over the weekend.
Resort spokesman John Bleh confirmed the presence of demonstrators at the resort but noted that their actions were non-disruptive. He directed further inquiries to the White House, which did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Republican Governor Phil Scott issued a statement welcoming Vance and his family to Vermont, urging residents to show respect even amid political differences. Scott emphasized that Vance was on a family trip with young children and should be treated with courtesy.
In a contrasting display, a smaller group of protesters showed support for Vance and President Trump with a 'welcome rally.' The overall atmosphere remained peaceful throughout the demonstrations.
