Placards reading “JD Vance Go Home,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Deport Billionaires” were visible among the crowd

Waitsfield, Vermont – Protesters gathered along a snowy road in Waitsfield, Vermont, on Saturday, targeting U.S. Vice President JD Vance as he and his family arrived in the area for a skiing trip. The demonstration, marked by signs and chants, came in the wake of a highly publicized and tense exchange between President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House earlier this week.

According to reports from BBC News, the protesters lined the route Vance was expected to travel, holding up pro-Ukraine signs and expressing their discontent. Placards reading “JD Vance Go Home,” “Love Trumps Hate,” and “Deport Billionaires” were visible among the crowd, alongside a prominent transgender pride flag. The scene, captured in photographs and video, showed a determined group standing in the cold, their messages directed at Vance and, by extension, the current administration’s policies.

The protest appears to be a direct response to the recent diplomatic friction between Trump and Zelensky. During their meeting at the White House, the two leaders reportedly clashed over U.S. support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump’s comments, which some interpreted as critical of Ukraine’s leadership, have sparked outrage among pro-Ukraine advocates and fueled public demonstrations across the country.

Local resident and protester Maria Thompson, 45, told reporters, “We’re here to send a message that we stand with Ukraine and oppose any policies that undermine their fight for freedom. Vance’s presence here feels like a provocation after what happened in Washington.”

Vance, who has been a vocal supporter of Trump’s “America First” agenda, has not yet publicly responded to the protest. His office declined to comment when reached by BBC News. The vice president and his family were reportedly unharmed and continued with their planned activities in the area, known for its popular ski resorts

The demonstration in Waitsfield is part of a broader wave of unrest in the U.S. following the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting, with similar protests reported in other states. Critics of the administration argue that the exchange has damaged U.S.-Ukraine relations and emboldened Russia, while supporters maintain that Trump’s stance reflects a necessary reevaluation of foreign aid.

Police maintained a heavy presence at the scene in Waitsfield to ensure the protest remained peaceful, and no arrests or incidents were reported. However, the event has reignited debates about political polarization and the role of public demonstrations in holding elected officials accountable.

As the U.S. navigates its foreign policy challenges and domestic divisions, the confrontation in Vermont serves as a stark reminder of the passions ignited by the current geopolitical landscape. For many, the snowy road in Waitsfield became a symbolic battleground in the larger struggle over America’s role on the world stage.

Protesters Confront JD Vance in Vermont After Trump-Zelenskyy Clash (March 2, 2025)