Vice President JD Vance left Naples Wednesday afternoon after attending a high-dollar fundraiser at the Naples Yacht Club.Vance arrived in Naples just before 2 p.m. aboard Air Force Two for the private fundraiser, where tickets reportedly cost about $100,000 per couple.Guests began arriving at the yacht club around noon, including Roger Stone, a longtime political adviser to President Donald Trump.Security was tight throughout the visit, particularly near 12th Street South and Seventh Street South, where law enforcement blocked roads and monitored the area as the vice president was at the fundraiser.Outside the yacht club, about 50 people gathered to either protest or show support for Vance and the Trump administration. The demonstration remained calm.Most of the protesters spoke out against Vance and the Trump administration, holding signs and chanting as the motorcade passed by. Some protesters referenced the two people federal agents shot and killed in Minneapolis, while others called for the release of the Epstein files or protested “Alligator Alcatraz.”Paul Stephens, secretary of the Collier County Democratic Party, said the protest was meant to send a clear message.”We’re here to make it clear that he’s not popular anymore. President Trump’s not popular anymore. They know it. Even polls amongst Republicans show they’re not popular anymore. They are un-American. Quite frankly, they are undemocratic. They need to go. They need to be impeached,” Stephens said.Donna McCue, of Naples, said she also came out to protest the administration.”Because I support the Democratic Party. I support our country. And I have had enough. In a million years, I never would have thought that we would end up where we are right now. This country is unrecognizable, and we are absolutely going to have to stand up,” McCue said.A smaller group stood nearby in support of the Trump administration and the vice president.”Make America great again. We love you, JD Vance,” said Kimberly Walker, of Naples.Colleen Catapano, of Naples, said she attended to show support, not to argue.”It’s just a shame. People, you know, don’t think before they speak. Both parties. Republican and Democrat. And, yeah, there’s a lot of heated arguments that shouldn’t take place in government, but it is what it is. But I’m supporting JD Vance and the Republican Party, and I’m not going to be here to fight, argue or do anything disruptive,” Catapano said. Vance spent roughly two hours in the city before flying out around 4 p.m. and heading to Miami for another fundraiser.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
Vice President JD Vance left Naples Wednesday afternoon after attending a high-dollar fundraiser at the Naples Yacht Club.
Vance arrived in Naples just before 2 p.m. aboard Air Force Two for the private fundraiser, where tickets reportedly cost about $100,000 per couple.
Guests began arriving at the yacht club around noon, including Roger Stone, a longtime political adviser to President Donald Trump.
Security was tight throughout the visit, particularly near 12th Street South and Seventh Street South, where law enforcement blocked roads and monitored the area as the vice president was at the fundraiser.
Outside the yacht club, about 50 people gathered to either protest or show support for Vance and the Trump administration. The demonstration remained calm.
Most of the protesters spoke out against Vance and the Trump administration, holding signs and chanting as the motorcade passed by. Some protesters referenced the two people federal agents shot and killed in Minneapolis, while others called for the release of the Epstein files or protested “Alligator Alcatraz.”
Paul Stephens, secretary of the Collier County Democratic Party, said the protest was meant to send a clear message.
“We’re here to make it clear that he’s not popular anymore. President Trump’s not popular anymore. They know it. Even polls amongst Republicans show they’re not popular anymore. They are un-American. Quite frankly, they are undemocratic. They need to go. They need to be impeached,” Stephens said.
Donna McCue, of Naples, said she also came out to protest the administration.
“Because I support the Democratic Party. I support our country. And I have had enough. In a million years, I never would have thought that we would end up where we are right now. This country is unrecognizable, and we are absolutely going to have to stand up,” McCue said.
A smaller group stood nearby in support of the Trump administration and the vice president.
“Make America great again. We love you, JD Vance,” said Kimberly Walker, of Naples.
Colleen Catapano, of Naples, said she attended to show support, not to argue.
“It’s just a shame. People, you know, don’t think before they speak. Both parties. Republican and Democrat. And, yeah, there’s a lot of heated arguments that shouldn’t take place in government, but it is what it is. But I’m supporting JD Vance and the Republican Party, and I’m not going to be here to fight, argue or do anything disruptive,” Catapano said.
Vance spent roughly two hours in the city before flying out around 4 p.m. and heading to Miami for another fundraiser.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.