Vermont Protests Erupt Against JD Vance Following Tense White House Exchange with Zelensky

Vice-President JD Vance faced protests in Vermont, following his fiery exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Demonstrators lined the route to Vance's ski destination, expressing solidarity with Ukraine, while hundreds gathered in major cities across the U.S. to voice their support.

Protests against Vice-President JD Vance erupted in Vermont as demonstrators lined the roads ahead of his family’s planned ski trip. This surge of activism was sparked by an intense exchange between Vance and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. Protesters in Waitsfield held pro-Ukraine signs, as reports indicated that the Vance family evacuated to a different location due to the demonstrations.

The protests came a day after an extraordinary Oval Office confrontation where Vance accused Zelensky of disrespecting the United States, while President Trump urged him to negotiate with Russia, suggesting that failure to do so would mean U.S. withdrawal from supporting Ukraine. In the aftermath of this heated exchange, hundreds of supporters also gathered in cities such as New York, Los Angeles, and Boston, voicing their solidarity with Ukraine.

Local organizers, including Judy Daly from Indivisible Mad River Valley, noted that the heated political discourse likely galvanized attendance at the protest, emphasizing outrage against the administration's stance on the conflict. Cori Giroux, another protester, called the Vice President's remarks "crossing the line."

Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican who chose not to support Trump, urged respect for Vance and his family, highlighting the importance of hospitality even amidst political disagreements. "It's no surprise they chose Vermont," he commented, referencing the winter tourism benefits, and expressed hope that the Vance family would enjoy their stay.

Despite the chaos surrounding him, Vance has not yet made any public statements regarding the protests. In Waitsfield, supporters of Vance and Trump also made their presence known, further contributing to the atmosphere of divided sentiment.

As protests erupted domestically, Zelensky embarked on a trip to the UK, where he was met by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. There, he joined European leaders to discuss strategies for stopping the ongoing war in Ukraine and ensuring stability in Europe. Starmer commented on the high tensions at the White House, noting his discomfort while emphasizing the need to build bridges between leaders.

This unfolding situation illustrates both the domestic divisions around U.S. foreign policy and the passionate advocacy for Ukraine amid ongoing global conflict.