'Go Ski in Russia!' Protesters Confront Vance at Vermont Resort

Protests Disrupt Vice President J.D. Vance’s Vermont Ski Trip

Vice President J.D. Vance’s family getaway to a Vermont ski resort took an unexpected turn when a large group of demonstrators confronted him over his recent remarks about Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. The backlash followed Friday’s meeting between Vance, President Donald Trump, and Zelensky, where Vance chastised the Ukrainian leader, calling him "disrespectful" and demanding he express gratitude toward the U.S. government.

Vance, accompanied by his wife Usha and their three children, arrived at Sugarbush Resort in Warren, Vermont, on Saturday, only to be met with protestors holding pride flags, pro-Ukraine banners, and anti-Vance signs. One notable sign read: "Vance is a traitor, go ski in Russia," according to The Daily Beast. Jack Gruber-USA Today

Demonstrators Confront Vance Over Remarks on Ukrainian President

Ahead of Vance’s visit, Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, urged state residents to remain civil, stating, "While we may not always agree, we should be respectful." Despite this, local opposition to Vance’s presence remained strong, with demonstrators making their displeasure clear. Master Sgt. Sarah Mattison, U.S. Air National Guard / Wikimedia

Security Intervenes as Protests Escalate at Sugarbush Resort

A Sugarbush Resort employee, Lucy Welch, used the resort’s official snow report to express concern over the Trump administration’s policies, which she described as a “direct attack” on national park employees and a reflection of a dangerous disregard for climate change. Welch wrote, “We are living in a really scary and really serious time,” and stated that the administration is “threatening our democracy, our livelihoods, our land.”

In her message, Welch expressed concern about the political climate, adding, "This whole shpiel probably won’t change a whole lot, and 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. I am really scared for our future."

Resort security and local authorities asked protestors to leave the premises as tensions escalated. Vance and his family were relocated to an undisclosed location for safety, according to the New York Post. Second presidency of Donald Trump / Wikimedia

Vance’s Comments in Oval Office Meeting

The ski trip disruption came just a day after Vance’s controversial performance in the Oval Office meeting with Zelensky. The vice president, who has never visited Ukraine, accused Zelensky of orchestrating a "propaganda tour" for visiting officials. His combative stance led New York Times White House correspondent Michael D. Shear to refer to him as Trump’s "attack dog" in his interactions with Zelensky.

At one point during the meeting, Vance directly challenged the Ukrainian leader, asking, "Have you said ‘thank you’ once this entire meeting?" The White House / Wikimedia

Vance’s Political Shift

Vance’s stance on Trump has undergone a dramatic transformation. Once a vocal critic of Trump, calling him an "idiot" in 2016, Vance has since become a staunch MAGA loyalist. The Trump White House / Wikimedia

Trump’s Response and Warnings on U.S.-Ukraine Relations

Trump himself escalated tensions following the Oval Office confrontation, later accusing Zelensky of "gambling with World War III." The president also took to Truth Social to declare, "[Zelensky] can come back when he is ready for Peace." The White House / Wikimedia