Vice President JD Vance arrived at Sugarbush Resort in Vermont expecting a quiet weekend on the slopes. Instead, he walked straight into a political firestorm.
Protesters, furious over his tense exchange with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, greeted him with signs reading, “Go ski in Russia” and “Vance is a traitor.”
What should have been a private getaway quickly became a national controversy.
Why Were Protesters Waiting for Vance?
Just a day before his ski trip, Vance stood in the Oval Office alongside President Donald Trump and confronted Zelensky.
He demanded that the Ukrainian leader express more gratitude for U.S. support, a moment that many saw as condescending and politically charged.
Trump, never one to shy away from conflict, doubled down, criticizing Zelensky and questioning the level of U.S. aid to Ukraine.
The exchange angered Ukraine’s supporters across the country, and when news spread that Vance had planned a ski trip in Vermont, activists seized the opportunity.
Protesters Flood Sugarbush Resort
By the time Vance and his family arrived, a crowd had already gathered. Some waved Ukrainian flags, while others chanted slogans condemning his remarks.
The protest wasn’t just about Ukraine—it became a platform for broader frustrations with the Trump administration’s foreign policy and domestic decisions.
A Vermont resident in the crowd didn’t mince words: “He showed his true colors yesterday. We’re here to remind him.”
A Resort Worker Takes a Stand
As tensions rose, a Sugarbush Resort employee, Lucy Welch, decided to make her voice heard.
Instead of posting the daily snow report on the resort’s website, she used the space to air her grievances about the Trump administration—criticizing its approach to climate change, national parks, and now, its handling of Ukraine.
Her message quickly gained traction, with supporters applauding her boldness and critics calling it an inappropriate use of a business platform.
Vance’s Ski Trip Cut Short
With the protests showing no signs of fading, Vance and his family were forced to leave the resort early.
Sources confirmed that they moved to an undisclosed location, avoiding further public confrontations.
Meanwhile, the backlash continued beyond Vermont.
Protests popped up outside Tesla dealerships and in major cities like New York and Los Angeles, further amplifying the controversy.
A Divided Nation Speaks
Vance’s ski trip fiasco is more than just a viral moment—it reflects the deep divisions in American politics.
His comments to Zelensky struck a nerve, intensifying debates over U.S. involvement in Ukraine.
While some Americans support his tough stance on foreign aid, others see it as an insult to an ally fighting for its survival.
The Vermont protests sent a clear message: political leaders cannot escape public scrutiny, even on vacation.
Final Thoughts
This incident is a reminder that in today’s political climate, every action has consequences.
Whether on the slopes or in the Oval Office, public figures like Vance face constant accountability.
The question now is whether he will double down on his position—or attempt damage control.
Either way, one thing is clear: his weekend getaway won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
James is a talented content writer and digital researcher. He focuses on topics like investments, finance, scams, and product reviews. He works hard to uncover the truth behind online claims and explains things clearly. James is also great at spotting scams and sharing honest advice with readers. When he isn’t writing, he enjoys playing chess and basketball, blending his strategic thinking with a love for both quiet focus and active fun.
