Massive pro-Ukraine protests took place across major cities in the United States following a heated clash between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Demonstrators in New York, Los Angeles, and Boston gathered to voice their support for Ukraine, waving blue and yellow flags and holding banners with messages like "Stand With Ukraine" and "America Supports Ukraine." The demonstrations underscored growing public frustration with Trump’s stance on the war and his recent remarks toward Zelensky.
In Waitsfield, Vermont, protesters lined the streets near a ski resort where Vice President J.D. Vance and his family were vacationing. The demonstrations forced the family to relocate to an undisclosed location, according to U.S. media reports. Although the protest had been planned before the White House confrontation, many participants carried signs referencing the recent exchange between Trump and Zelensky, as well as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Judy Daly, a member of Indivisible Mad River Valley—the group that organized the protest—told Vermont Public Radio that the dispute in Washington had motivated even more people to participate. “I think Friday’s performance at the White House has probably galvanized even more people to come out today,” she said.
One protester, Cori Giroux, criticized Vice President Vance, saying, “[Vance] crossed the line.” Many demonstrators expressed anger over what they saw as an increasingly hostile approach by the Trump administration toward Ukraine, with some calling Vance’s comments disrespectful and out of touch with the realities of the war.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican who has previously distanced himself from Trump, urged residents to remain civil. “I welcome the vice president and his family to Vermont and hope they enjoy their weekend here,” Scott said in a statement. “While we may not always agree, we should be respectful.”
Scott also acknowledged Vermont’s appeal as a vacation spot. “It’s no surprise they chose Vermont,” he added. “We’ve had a lot of snow this winter, which has been good for our economy.” He emphasized that the vice president was traveling with his young children and urged protesters to keep their demonstrations peaceful.
Despite the calls for civility, counter-protesters supporting Trump and Vance also showed up in Waitsfield, highlighting the deep political divide within the country.
The protests were not limited to political figures; demonstrators also gathered outside Tesla stores in multiple cities, voicing their opposition to Elon Musk’s efforts to slash government spending. Musk, who was appointed by Trump to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency—more commonly known as “Doge”—has become a controversial figure in Washington. His push to cut funding for various programs has drawn criticism from activists and lawmakers alike.
Many protesters outside Tesla stores carried signs accusing Musk of prioritizing corporate interests over government support for Ukraine and other international causes. Some also called for boycotts of Tesla and Musk’s other businesses.
The nationwide demonstrations were triggered by an extraordinary exchange in the Oval Office on Friday, where Trump and Zelensky clashed over U.S. support for Ukraine. Trump pressured Zelensky to negotiate with Russia, warning that American assistance was not guaranteed.
During the meeting, Trump reportedly told Zelensky that he was not showing enough gratitude for U.S. military and political backing in Ukraine’s war against Russia. He accused the Ukrainian president of “gambling with World War Three” by refusing to seek a diplomatic resolution.
Vice President Vance also took an aggressive stance, accusing Zelensky of being disrespectful and of “litigating” the issue in front of the media. The tense exchange led to international criticism, with many U.S. allies reaffirming their commitment to Ukraine in the wake of Trump’s remarks.
Amid the fallout from the White House confrontation, Zelensky is set to meet with European leaders in London for a summit on Ukraine’s war effort. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer will host the meeting, which is expected to focus on military aid, economic support, and future rebuilding efforts.
Ahead of the summit, UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves signed a £2.26 billion ($2.84 billion) loan agreement with Ukraine. The funds are intended to support military operations and reconstruction projects in the war-torn country. The agreement signals the UK’s ongoing commitment to Ukraine, even as political tensions rise in Washington over continued U.S. assistance.
The protests across the U.S. reflect growing dissatisfaction with Trump’s approach to foreign policy and his handling of relations with Ukraine. With the 2024 presidential election approaching, Trump’s stance on Ukraine could become a key issue in the campaign. Many Americans, including members of his own party, have expressed concern over the implications of reducing support for Ukraine at such a critical moment in the war.
Meanwhile, Vance’s aggressive rhetoric has sparked debate over his role in shaping foreign policy within the Trump administration. Some analysts speculate that his hardline stance may alienate moderate Republicans and independent voters, potentially affecting Trump’s electoral prospects.
