Vermont Ski Resort Becomes Stage for Protests Against Vice President Vance Following Heated Exchange with Zelenskyy
Warren, Vermont – A serene winter landscape at Sugarbush Resort was disrupted Saturday as hundreds of protesters descended upon the popular ski destination to voice their displeasure with Vice President JD Vance’s visit, just hours after a publicly fractious encounter between Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C.
The Vice President, accompanied by his family, arrived at the resort to find a vocal demonstration awaiting him. A long line of protesters, stretching nearly half a mile, displayed an array of signs expressing solidarity with Ukraine and sharply criticizing Vance’s recent interactions and perceived stance on the ongoing conflict.
The signs carried messages ranging from direct insults, such as labeling Vance "Nazi scum" and "traitor," to urging him to "go ski in Russia," a pointed jab at his perceived alignment with Russian interests. Others conveyed broader political sentiments, with signs proclaiming "Trump serves Putin," "Theocracy is not freedom," and a simple, unwavering "Stand with Ukraine."
While the protests dominated the scene, not everyone present at Sugarbush Resort shared the demonstrators’ views. One local skier expressed frustration with the disruption to Fox News Digital, dismissing the protesters as "f—ing morons." This sentiment underscores the divisive nature of the political climate and the varied opinions even within a single community.
According to a source familiar with the Vice President’s travel plans, the Vance family had initially intended to stay at a well-regarded four-star inn near the resort. However, these plans were altered, and the family relocated to an undisclosed location. The source clarified that the decision to change accommodations predated the public protests.
The demonstrations extended beyond the resort’s entrance, with protesters reportedly gathering near the slopes where the Vance family was skiing. While the exact proximity of the protesters to the Vice President and his family remains unclear, the presence of the demonstration undoubtedly cast a shadow over their visit.
The timing of the protests is significant, occurring less than 24 hours after a tense exchange between Vance and Zelenskyy at the White House. The disagreement arose during discussions about a proposed mineral rights deal that President Trump suggested could pave the way for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine.
Reports indicate that Zelenskyy expressed reservations about signing the deal, prompting a sharp response from Vance. "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 reportedly told Zelenskyy, referencing Trump. "Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for trying to bring an end to this conflict."
Vance further suggested that Zelenskyy had not shown sufficient gratitude for American support, particularly given Ukraine’s reliance on U.S. assistance. He pointed to Zelenskyy’s past engagement in Pennsylvania, accusing him of campaigning for the opposition, and emphasized the need for appreciation towards the United States and President Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict. He asked if he’d "said ‘thank you’ once this entire meeting."
Zelenskyy reportedly responded to Vance’s comments by noting the "loud" tone of the remarks. President Trump then interjected, reportedly telling Zelenskyy that his country was "in trouble."
The verbal sparring in the Oval Office, captured by multiple media outlets, quickly reverberated through the political sphere, fueling the already intense debate surrounding U.S. foreign policy and the ongoing war in Ukraine. It served as a catalyst for the protests in Vermont, where citizens seized the opportunity to express their views directly to Vice President Vance.
The episode highlights the complexities of the relationship between the United States and Ukraine, particularly amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. It also reflects the deep divisions within American society regarding foreign policy, international alliances, and the role of the United States in global affairs.
The protests at Sugarbush Resort serve as a stark reminder that political discourse often extends beyond the halls of government and into the everyday lives of citizens. The event raises questions about the balance between the right to protest and the privacy of public figures, as well as the impact of political polarization on communities across the country.
The office of the Vice President and Sugarbush Resort have yet to release a formal statement about the protests.
The incident underscores the charged political climate surrounding the war in Ukraine and the strong emotions it evokes on all sides. It is expected to continue to fuel debate and discussion about U.S. policy towards the region.
