The protests, initially scheduled prior to the confrontation, rapidly gained momentum in the aftermath of the charged incident in the Oval Office.
Protests in Vermont Disrupt JD Vance’s Ski Vacation
Demonstrators in Vermont ensured that Vice President JD Vance would not go by without recognition. Following his intense confrontation with President Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, they united to express their views.
Along the road in Waitsfield, demonstrators displayed pro-Ukraine signs while awaiting the passage of Vance and his family, who were anticipated to travel this route en route to a ski trip.
According to reports, Vance’s family abandoned their plans for a ski resort and relocated to a confidential site to evade the protests. Simultaneously, during the weekend, large gatherings took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston to express support for Ukraine, occurring just one day after the heated confrontation in the Oval Office.
What is the current situation involving JD Vance and Zelensky?
Before this incident, tensions escalated in the Oval Office. Vance criticized Zelensky for being ‘disrespectful’ towards the United States, while Trump escalated the situation further by urging the Ukrainian president to negotiate with Russia ‘or we are out,’ accusing him of ‘risking World War Three’.
Waitsfield was already prepared to demonstrate against the Trump-Vance administration, but following the heated exchange with Zelensky, many protest signs targeted the confrontation and Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine.
‘I believe [Friday’s] display at the White House has likely motivated even more individuals to participate today,’ stated Judy Daly from Indivisible Mad River Valley, the organization coordinating the protest, in an interview with Vermont Public Radio. ‘[Vance] overstepped his bounds,’ added protester Cori Giroux.
What Should Be Considered Before the Journey?.
Prior to the arrival of Vance and his family, Vermont Governor Phil Scott urged the public to show respect towards them.
Scott, a Republican who did not support Trump, expressed, ‘I extend a warm welcome to the vice president and his family in Vermont and wish them a pleasant weekend here.
It is not unexpected that they selected Vermont, as we have experienced significant snowfall this winter, which has positively impacted our economy.’
He further emphasized that Vance is currently on a family vacation, stating, “I trust that the residents of Vermont will keep in mind that the vice president is here with his young children for a family trip, and although we may not always see eye to eye, it is important to show respect.”
He continued, “Let us all extend a warm welcome to them in Vermont and wish them the chance to enjoy the unique qualities that our state and its people have to offer.”
Vance Remains Silent Amidst Escalating Protests and Counter-Protests
Vance, who has three young children with his spouse Usha, has remained silent regarding the protests. In the meantime, both Trump and Vance’s supporters gathered in Waitsfield for a counter-protest.
Additionally, demonstrators appeared outside Tesla locations on Saturday, criticizing Elon Musk’s initiative to reduce government expenditures.
Musk, the billionaire CEO of Tesla, has been appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency, commonly referred to as Doge.
Starmer Acts as a Diplomatic Mediator Following Dispute at the White House
Following the meeting at the White House, Zelensky traveled to the United Kingdom, where he was received by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. On Sunday, he participated in a summit in London alongside European leaders and Canada’s Justin Trudeau, which aimed at concluding the conflict in Ukraine and enhancing Europe’s security.
Prior to the summit, Starmer stated that the United Kingdom and France would collaborate with Ukraine on a strategy to cease hostilities with Russia, after which they would engage in discussions regarding that strategy with the United States.
He stated to the BBC that his current “driving purpose” is to serve as a “bridge” between the two leaders.
In response to inquiries regarding the tense interaction at the White House, Starmer minimized the significance of the incident. He remarked, “nobody wants to see that” and acknowledged that it left him feeling “uncomfortable.”
