A small Vermont town said Tuesday that it has no confidence in the administration of President Donald J. Trump.
The vote in Johnson came during the more than 200-year-old tradition of Town Meeting Day in Vermont, which usually focuses on local matters — not national ones.
“I have no confidence in Trump,” Johnson voter Jeremy Baker said from the floor of his community’s town meeting.
The passage of the non-binding motion came on a 39-10 vote, and only after many people had gone home following a long day of hammering out Johnson-specific issues, such as the town budget and discussions of the future use of land, including plans for a new industrial park.
An attempt failed by some in town to put off the vote indefinitely.
“What would be the purpose of this vote, but to create more animosity?” asked Rhoda Mingledorff before the vote took place.
“We are in a dangerous place right now because of this administration,” warned Glo Webel of Johnson, who supported the article of no confidence in Mr. Trump. “We are not respected around the world because of this administration.”
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“People voted for Trump,” countered Jinny Bogni-LeMay, another Johnson voter. “He was elected, and we should have enough respect to try to support our president.”
This question on President Trump and his administration was added to the agenda only after social justice activists in Johnson petitioned their town.
The group Be-Longing for Justice has been a visible fixture in the community demonstrating for various causes since President Trump was elected, often speaking up against what it sees as policy flaws.
“His whole administration is very erratic,” Calvin Stanton told his neighbors from the floor of the town meeting.
But one speaker argued the vote shouldn’t even be taking place.
“I really don’t think it’s appropriate to discuss these kinds of articles at town meeting,” the man said.
This was not the first time a Vermont town has weighed presidential politics. Last year, Charlotte called on Congress to investigate a possible impeachment of President Trump.
In 2008, a handful of towns called for the indictments of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
