Kathrine Frich
The political newcomer has not received a warm welcome.
Small towns near capital cities often attract powerful leaders looking for a quiet weekend escape.
But when high-profile politicians move into tight-knit, wealthy communities, the locals rarely appreciate the sudden disruptions.
A familiar headache
Residents of Middleburg, Virginia, are dealing with a sudden wave of security vehicles. The quiet equestrian town sits just over an hour outside Washington.
US Vice President JD Vance recently rented two weekend homes at a local farm, sparking deep frustration among many people living in the affluent community.
One longtime resident named Jone told the German newspaper Die Welt that politicians have disrupted her life before. In 1980, Ronald Reagan rented a nearby mansion and forced her to abruptly change her wedding venue due to strict security rules.
Now, she constantly complains about black SUVs and low-flying helicopters spooking local horses.
“Vance will complicate our lives as we know them,” she told the outlet, adding that his heavy security footprint is “making things worse.”
Voicing their anger
The political newcomer has not received a warm welcome online either. Some residents took to a local Facebook group to complain about the vice president, according to the Daily Beast.
“Let him go back where he came from until we get rid of him,” one community member wrote on the social platform.
Another user mocked their rural skills. “Congratulations to Middleburg, now [Vance and his wife] can enjoy a farm they don’t even know how to run,” the resident added.
Security is already tight around the property. A black SUV with tinted windows currently blocks the dirt road leading to the rented farm. Officers on site politely refuse to let anyone take photographs.
Mixed local feelings
Mayor Trowbridge Littleton defended the new arrival. He noted that past presidents like John F. Kennedy and Barack Obama also spent time in the historic town. “Everyone is welcome here,” the mayor told Die Welt.
Vladimir Maldonado runs a Mexican restaurant on the main street. The 24-year-old hopes the massive political entourage will bring more money to local businesses. “I’d recommend our tacos to Vance,” the young business owner noted.
Even so, Maldonado remains critical of the new neighbor. “Their immigration policies are stacked against people like me,” he said. He added, “If America is a place where everyone should be able to pursue happiness, then it shouldn’t matter where you come from.”
Sources: Onet, Die Welt, Daily Beast
