- Protesters rally at Sugarbush Resort over Vance's Russia-aligned Ukraine stance
- Oval Office clash with Zelenskyy fuels demonstration momentum
- Mixed protest groups unite under anti-war, immigrant rights causes
- Governor urges respect despite political differences during family trip
Nearly a thousand demonstrators lined Vermont's Route 100 this weekend, voicing opposition to Vice President JD Vance's scheduled family vacation at Sugarbush Resort. The protests gained intensity following Friday's heated White House exchange between Vance, former President Trump, and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy regarding Putin's reliability.
Local station WCAX captured protester Tekla Van Hoven's sharp critique: Ski Russia instead – Vermont welcomes leaders who prioritize democracy over dictators.While most demonstrations remained peaceful, the convergence of Ukraine support groups, Palestinian rights advocates, and immigration activists created a complex protest landscape.
Political Tourism Impacts
The incident highlights growing tensions between vacationing officials and destination communities. Sugarbush Resort's handling mirrors 2017 strategies used during EPA chief protests, balancing guest safety with free speech rights. Security costs for high-profile visits now average $15k daily in rural resorts according to Vermont Tourism Board data.
Republican Governor Phil Scott's Thursday appeal for civility contrasted with on-ground realities. We must remember this is ultimately a father's ski trip with his kids,his statement emphasized, though protesters argued public figures forfeit private leisure when advocating controversial policies.
Social Media Mobilization
Organizers credited encrypted messaging apps with tripling expected turnout. Real-time updates about Vance's motorcade route enabled strategic positioning at key resort access points. This digital coordination follows patterns seen in 2022 labor strikes at Burlington's IBM plant, where worker-led networks bypassed traditional media channels.
Approximately 20 pro-Vance counterprotesters staged a Welcome Rallynear the resort's main lodge, waving Trump 2024 banners. Local law enforcement maintained separation between groups while monitoring ski lift operations. Sugarbush officials confirmed no disruptions to guest activities despite the political theater unfolding at base areas.
White House press staff declined Sunday requests for comment, continuing their silence since Friday's diplomatic incident. Political analysts suggest the Vermont confrontation could influence midterm election strategies in swing states with strong Ukrainian-American constituencies.