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By Staff Writer with Agencies
Talk about an icy reception. Vice President JD Vance faced a wave of protests this weekend during a ski trip to Vermont, where residents made it clear that he wasn’t welcome. Demonstrators lined the streets with boos, jeers, and some rather pointed signage, expressing their frustration with Vance’s political stance and recent involvement in the Trump administration’s Ukraine-Russia policy.
A Ski Trip Gone Sideways
Vance, who rose to fame with his memoir Hillbilly Elegy before becoming a staunch ally of Donald Trump, has remained a controversial figure in U.S. politics. However, his latest role in the highly volatile Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has only further fueled the fire, with critics accusing the administration of favoring pro-Russian narratives over traditional Western alliances.
That controversy followed him straight to Vermont’s ski slopes. Protesters gathered with signs and slogans targeting the Vice President, with one particularly blunt message reading: “Go ski in Russia!” Others ridiculed his appearance, with one protestor holding a sign that simply accused Vance of “skiing in jeans”—a lighthearted jab amidst an otherwise heated demonstration.
Hundreds of protesters disrupted JD Vance’s planned ski vacation at Sugarbush Resort in Vermont. One protester’s sign read, “Vance is a traitor. Go ski in Russia.” Fox News reports that the family “had to move to an undisclosed location.”
Sad!
pic.twitter.com/MlrgG43IQF— Republicans against Trump (@RpsAgainstTrump) March 2, 2025
Why the Backlash?
Vermont, a state known for its progressive policies and liberal voter base, has never been particularly receptive to the Trump-Vance brand of conservatism. But this latest outrage stems from more than just political differences.
Wow: JD Vance is apparently skiing in Vermont this weekend and the locals aren’t having it. Thousands have lined the streets in protest. pic.twitter.com/ngbRc0zPoG
— Matt McDermott (@mattmfm) March 1, 2025
Critics argue that Vance, alongside Trump, has failed to stand firmly behind Ukraine as it continues to fend off Russian aggression. The administration’s approach has sparked international concern, particularly as European leaders, including U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, push for stronger support for Kyiv.
Meanwhile, within the U.S., frustration has grown over the administration’s dismissal of intelligence warnings about Russian disinformation and election interference. Some view Vance’s recent remarks on Ukraine as a sign of alignment with Moscow’s interests, further alienating voters who support NATO and traditional U.S. foreign policy commitments.
A One-Time Visit?
While JD Vance may have come to Vermont for fresh powder, he left with a mountain of criticism. The protests were a clear sign that, at least in this part of the country, his politics are far from popular.
Whether or not Vance plans to return remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his next ski trip might require a more carefully chosen destination.
Staff Writers at Open Chronicle produce in-depth, field-informed reporting on defense, diplomacy, cultural transformation, and global affairs. Known for clarity, accuracy, and analytical depth, they connect breaking developments to broader historical and strategic contexts. In addition to frontline journalism, Staff Writers also contribute to the Open Chronicle Encyclopedia, crafting authoritative entries that preserve critical knowledge and enrich public understanding.