Vermont Protesters Against JD Vance After “Fight” With Zelensky

Vice President JD Vance’s ski trip to Vermont took an unexpected turn as protesters lined the roads with pro-Ukraine signs. They called him out after his heated exchange with Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

The demonstrations, which had been planned before the clash, quickly took on new energy following the tense Oval Office moment.

Vermont Protests Shake Up JD Vance’s Ski Trip

Protesters in Vermont weren’t about to let Vice President JD Vance pass by unnoticed! They teamed up after his heated clash with President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House.

Lining the road in Waitsfield, they held up pro-Ukraine signs. The protesters were waiting along the route Vance and his family were expected to take on their way to a ski trip.

Reports say Vance’s family ditched their ski resort plans and moved to a secret location to avoid the protests. Meanwhile, over the weekend, crowds in New York, LA, and Boston also rallied in support of Ukraine, just a day after the intense Oval Office showdown.

What Is Happening Between JD Vance & Zelensky?

Prior to this, things got intense in the Oval Office. Vance called Zelensky out for being “disrespectful” to the U.S., while Trump took it even further, telling the Ukrainian president to cut a deal with Russia “or we are out,” accusing him of “gambling with World War Three”.

Waitsfield was already set to protest the Trump-Vance administration, but after the fiery exchange with Zelensky, many signs took aim at the clash and Russia’s war on Ukraine.

“I think [Friday’s] performance at the White House has probably galvanized even more people to come out today” said Judy Daly from Indivisible Mad River Valley, the group behind the protest, speaking to Vermont Public Radio.

“[Vance] crossed the line” added protester Cori Giroux.

What About Prior to the Trip?

Before Vance and his family arrived, Vermont Governor Phil Scott called for people to “be respectful” toward them.

Scott, a Republican who refused to vote for Trump, said, “I welcome the vice president and his family to Vermont and hope they enjoy their weekend here.

“It’s no surprise they chose Vermont, we’ve had a lot of snow this winter, which has been good for our economy.”

He also reminded people that Vance was on a family trip, saying, “I hope Vermonters remember the vice-president is here on a family trip with his young children and, while we may not always agree, we should be respectful.“

He went on to say: “Please join me in welcoming them to Vermont, and hoping they have an opportunity to experience what makes our state, and Vermonters, so special.”

Silence From Vance as Protests and Counter-Protests Spread

Vance, who shares three young kids with his wife Usha, hasn’t said anything about the protests. Meanwhile, Trump and Vance’s supporters also showed up in Waitsfield for a counter-protest.

Protesters also showed up outside Tesla stores on Saturday, calling out Elon Musk’s push to cut government spending.

Musk, Tesla’s billionaire CEO, has been put in charge of the Department of Government Efficiency, better known as Doge, by Trump.

Starmer Steps In as Diplomatic Bridge After White House Clash

After the White House meeting, Zelensky headed to the UK, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed him. On Sunday, he joined European leaders and Canada’s Justin Trudeau in London for a summit focused on ending the war in Ukraine. They also discussed strengthening Europe’s security.

Before the summit, Starmer said the UK and France would team up with Ukraine “on a plan to stop the fighting” with Russia. They would then “discuss that plan with the United States.”

He told the BBC that his “driving purpose” right now was to be a “bridge” between the two leaders.

When asked about the tense White House exchange, Starmer downplayed the moment. He was heard saying “nobody wants to see that” and admitting it made him feel “uncomfortable.”

You might also want to read: President Zelensky Reacts After Being “Yelled” at by President Donald Trump