Protesters in Vermont have lined a road that Vice President JD Vance was expected to travel, following a tense confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House. The protest occurred as Vance and his family were reportedly en route to a ski trip in Waitsfield. Demonstrators held pro-Ukraine signs, urging support for Zelensky a day after an incendiary meeting that saw Vance accusing the Ukrainian leader of disrespecting the US. President Trump also exchanged fiery remarks with Zelensky during the meeting, demanding he negotiate with Russia or risk US withdrawal from support.
In Vermont, protests had been organized prior to the Oval Office clash, but many signs reflected the aftermath of the event. Judy Daly of the group Indivisible Mad River Valley shared that the tensions from the White House incident were likely a driving force behind the turnout. Protester Cori Giroux stated, "Vance crossed the line," emphasizing the collective frustration felt by many regarding the administration's stance on Ukraine.
Prior to the protest, Vermont's Republican Governor Phil Scott called for respect towards the Vice President and his family, saying, "I hope Vermonters remember the vice-president is here on a family trip with his young children." He acknowledged the heavy snowfall that had benefited Vermont's economy and welcomed the Vance family to the state.
While Vance did not respond to the protests, a counter-demonstration in support of Trump and Vance was reported in Waitsfield. Protests also occurred in New York, Boston, and Los Angeles, where supporters for Ukraine gathered en masse.
In a separate political climate, demonstrators gathered outside Tesla stores across the US to oppose Elon Musk's initiative to reduce federal spending, adding another layer to the charged atmosphere of the weekend.
Post-meeting, Zelensky traveled to the UK where he met with Prime Minister Keir Starmer and other European leaders to discuss strategies to end the war in Ukraine while ensuring European security, further complicating the US's political narrative surrounding Ukraine. Starmer expressed discomfort witnessing the White House clash but aimed to bridge gaps between the leaders’ conflicting positions.
