Vice President JD Vance’s getaway to the slopes took an unexpected turn when hundreds of protesters arrived to confront him. Demonstrators were furious over Friday’s controversial “peace talks” between Vance, President Donald Trump, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—particularly Vance’s remarks calling Zelensky “disrespectful” and repeatedly demanding he thank the U.S. government.
Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, arrived at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont, on Saturday morning expecting a relaxing day in the snow. Instead, he was met with a wave of angry protesters. One sign read, “Vance is a traitor go ski in Russia.”
Vermont locals rally against Vance
State officials had braced for the vice president’s visit. On Thursday, Republican Gov. Phil Scott issued a statement urging Vermonters to remain respectful despite political differences. However, this did not prevent large crowds from gathering to denounce Vance’s actions.
At Sugarbush, protesters displayed pride flags, pro-Ukraine posters, and anti-Vance signs. Resort employee Lucy Welch even used her platform to call out Vance. Typically responsible for morning snow reports, Welch instead posted a statement criticizing the Trump administration, warning that the country is in a “really scary and really serious time.”
Welch accused the administration of attacking national park employees and neglecting climate change. She urged those frustrated with Sugarbush to direct their anger toward “an administration threatening our democracy, our livelihoods, our land.” In her message, she admitted, “I can only assume that I will be fired, but at least this will do even just a smidge more than just shutting up and being a sheep.”
Security eventually cleared the protesters, and Vance was relocated to an undisclosed location.
Vance and Trump’s tense exchange with Zelensky
Friday’s White House meeting between Trump, Vance, and Zelensky quickly became heated. Vance, who has never visited Ukraine, accused Zelensky of leading visitors on a “propaganda tour.”
New York Times White House correspondent Michael D. Shear described Vance as Trump’s “attack dog” after he aggressively berated Zelensky, frequently interrupting him. While some believe Elon Musk has become Trump’s de facto second-in-command, Vance demonstrated his unwavering loyalty during the meeting.
“Have you said ‘thank you’ once this entire meeting?” Vance pressed Zelensky.
Vance’s transformation from critic to Trump loyalist
Vance was not always aligned with Trump. In 2016, he openly criticized him, calling him an “idiot” and warning voters about his leadership. However, in the years since, he has embraced the MAGA movement, even urging European leaders to stop isolating far-right parties. His comments to German officials, suggesting they reconsider rejecting a political party that had used Nazi slogans, sparked outrage.
Following Zelensky’s visit, global leaders and diplomats voiced concern over the tense exchange. Trump later accused Zelensky of “gambling with World War III” and took to Truth Social, stating the Ukrainian leader “can come back when he is ready for Peace.”
Last modified: March 2, 2025
